Gann Matsuda must have gone on vacation with LA Kings great Pete Demers because has been churning out the stories all summer long. Here’s his latest. Great stuff!

LOS ANGELES — In a 41-year career in professional hockey, Los Angeles Kings retired head athletic trainer Pete Demers has certainly seen and heard enough to fill the pages of a good-sized book, sights and sounds that fans and even the media would virtually never have access to.

Whether it was the pre-game rituals some players adhered to game after game, the practical jokes, humorous stories, or just memories of the different characters in and out of the training room, Demers saw it all in 37 years with the franchise, beginning with three years with Springfield of the American Hockey League (the Kings’ minor league affiliate from 1967-75 and 1977-79) before he joined the Los Angeles Kings in 1972.

“Every player will put one skate on before the other one,” Demers said about some of those pre-game rituals. “Some players like to get dressed really early before a game. [Former Boston Bruins all-time great defenseman] Bobby Orr would get dressed at 5:00. Some players come to the rink real early. [Former Kings forward] Ian Laperriere would come to the rink with us on the road at 3:30 PM on a game day.”

“Everybody’s different, that’s what make the job so much fun,” Demers added. “They have all these different things that they like to do. Some guys will take two cups of coffee, put ice in it and down it, just to get a little bit of caffeine. Some guys like a candy bar before the game. [Former Montreal Canadiens superstar forward] Guy Lafleur used to have a cigarette and a hot dog between periods.”

Some pre-game rituals simply do not lend themselves to any sort of comment at all.

“There was a player [who used] Vicks VapoRub,” said Demers. “Usually, you’d put a little under your nose, and it would give you a good feeling. This guy would take two fingers full and put it right on his tongue. That was his way of preparing for the game.”

Moving right along…then there were the characters in the game.

“[Former Kings goaltender] Mario Lessard was a fun guy,” Demers recalled. “I said to him, ‘one of these days, you’re really going to hurt your groin if you’re not doing any stretching.’”

“He said, ‘you can’t pull fat,’” Demers added with a laugh.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

Brad Richards, eh?

LOS ANGELES — The annual unrestricted free agent frenzy begins on July 1 at 9:00 AM Pacific time, and while everyone knows the Los Angeles Kings have a couple of big holes to fill among their top six forwards, do not expect them to be in the running for the biggest fish of all, Dallas Stars center Brad Richards, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Richards, who earned $7.8 million per season on a five year contract, will command a premium price, likely to at least match that annual amount.

Unless something changes prior to the “opening whistle,” the Kings will go into the 9:00 AM start of the frenzy still in the midst of negotiations with defenseman Drew Doughty over a long-term deal that will likely pay him more than $6 million per season. Although the Kings currently have $16.08 million of salary cap space to work with, a good chunk of that will go to Doughty. Given that, along with the gobs of cash that Richards will demand, Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi will not have the flexibility to compete with the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs, who are expected to lead the way among those bidding for his services.

Richards has strong connections to Rangers head coach John Tortorella, who coached Richards when they were with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Richards also has connections to the Maple Leafs. He is likely to be signed very, very quickly, probably within the first 24 hours of the frenzy.

Lombardi has already indicated that the Kings will not be in the running for the cream of this year’s unrestricted free agent crop.

“It’s safe to say that there’s a potential for a midrange move,” he said.

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

It’s summer and KingsCast is doing exactly what you think we’d be doing: chilling in our summer homes in the Hamptons, drinking 32-year old scotch and chasing tail in our matching Ferrari’s. I know, we’re Mike Richards rich. But, just because we’re lazy doesn’t mean others are.

For those of you starving for anything LA Kings this off-season, our pal Gann Matsuda is pumping out the writing on a regular basis. As always, this is required reading if you’re a Kings fan. Check it out!

Ryan Smyth Gets His Wish: Los Angeles Kings And Edmonton Oilers Finally Agree On A Deal. Catch the article here.

Even Without A First Round Pick, LA Kings Are Looking For Big Things From Their 2011 Draft Class. Catch the article here.

Ryan Smyth Is Still With The Los Angeles Kings…For Now, Anyway. Catch the article here.

Blockbuster Deal Gives LA Kings A Potent 1-2 Punch Down The Middle. Catch the article here.

The inevitable has taken form. The best of luck on your future endeavors, Smytts.

Not many players can pull off white skates, either. We’re talking Fedorov status here.

Sorry to see him go, the seasoned veteran who was hitched to this club in Dean Lombardi‘s marvelous acquisition in July of 2009. He brought with him experience to mold the development of an extremely young roster, he immediately proved himself worthy of still being a top-six forward, and the guy always got it done on the power-play, smack-dab in his roundhouse – the crease.

It was only a matter of time, really. Initial word had gotten out that Ryan Smyth approached Dean Lombardi in request of a trade out of Los Angeles about a week ago. When confronted about the revelation, Smyth firmly denied the allegations, which soon after turned out to be true. You’ve got to be somewhat happy for Smyth, who now can end his career where it started, and where it was embraced – with the Edmonton Oilers. Family has been said to be the fueling factor to this entire soap opera, where making home in Alberta was top priority. But, a bigger priority than a decent shot at the Stanley Cup with the Kings? The Oilers are about two years behind the Kings in terms of developing a young roster, and the way Smyth lagged during the second-half of this season, a renewed or extended contract with the Oil is far from guaranteed. That could give Smyth one final season in Edmonton, where Cup hopes are nothing but hope and optimism, compared to one final season in Los Angeles, where serious contention is in full gear. Welp, it is what is it.

I mean, come on! The guy still used lumber, a true vet.

Sure wasn’t LeBron James leaving Cleveland-like, but I was a bit turned off in the manner Smyth handled the whole ordeal. At first, I backtracked to his denial of the rumors, and tabbed him as a liar. But think, really, what does a professional athlete of Smyth’s caliber do in that situation? Keep it quiet, better for yourself, better for the internals of the team. The whole thing was true, that’s all that mattered.

The Kings received two assets in the trade, Centerman Colin Fraser and a boost in Cap Space. Fraser, unlike the first player the Oilers offered, Gilbert Brule, will actually get a shot to make the Kings’ roster. The cap space freed from dropping Smyth’s contract allows for more leverage in renewing Drew Doughty‘s contract or hitting the market again for a pursuable top-six left winger. Bittersweet.

I’m done analyzing draft prospects for three reasons:

1) Chances are, I’m one of the last resources on earth you’re coming to for insight on draft selections.

2) I’ve got no ability when it comes to predicting a player’s professional career, and not many people do. However, a lot of people think they do.

3) I’d probably be twisting a healthy combination of opinions and analysis from others into banal summaries, so let’s just scrap it.

Don’t mean we ain’t talkin’ draft, though! What’s in the closet Mr. Gibson?

“Yeah yeah, heartwarming stories about your childhood, save it for an FSW intermission feature segment or something, Chris. But how fu*king crispy are those new roadies?!?”

Apparently I’ve been completely unaware that clubs unveil new sweaters during the NHL Entry Draft, or this is something new. Along with the Kings completing their new set, the Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators both introduced pieces of their new wardrobes. I expected an unveiling of this jersey to come at LA Kings Hockey Fest on September 11th, but I was obviously wrong. Most of us knew what was coming, including myself, so how’s the newly officialized outfit combination fit your taste?

I figured the Kings would keep purple in the wardrobe for the alternate, but never expected the black hem-line sweater to take the position. Quite frankly, last year’s throwback specialty jersey should’ve been tabbed as the full-time alternate.

Fortunately, these beaut’s will grace the roster’s dress-code three times during the 2011-2012 season, once again designated as the Kings’ ‘specialty jersey’.

I’ve got to tab the newly released road uniforms as my favorite to the new set. Ironically, I’ve got a strong distaste for the black version, which was introduced in November 2008. The decision to make the former home uniforms, the black hem-lines, as the new alternate doesn’t make much sense. Usually an alternate uniform presents a fresh look, instead the Kings are keeping grasps with a template that not only represents a somewhat bleak era in Kings history, but a design that simply does not fit in with the new look. Contrast is all right, but if you’re looking to do it the right way, you implement something with roots to the franchise. I’ve grown on the new looks, and the sharp addition introduced this weekend strengthens my acceptance to the change.

*NHL Network Fail

Not dogging on the crown, but get your sh*t straight!

Word has it Ryan Smyth wants out of Los Angeles, musing dreams of a return to Edmonton.
Word has it Ryan Smyth doesn’t want out of Los Angeles. Cat and Mouse games.
Say it ain’t so, Smytts. I never expected a move like this from you, regardless of your value to this team. Unprofessional, Edmonton shouldn’t even be impressed with the allegations.

“Sick Hair.” Smytty Hair.

He asked for it. Clues have been piling up since the initial leak, pointing all signs to this claim to be truthful. I’d like to get something out to you folks first, before the actual hockey part is discussed. Disappointment – that’s how I feel about Ryan Smyth right now. Regardless if you think he’s still a good fit for the Kings’ roster or not, this isn’t a tactic I’d ever expect to see from Smytts. Yeah, he had the bad fortune of his words hitting public ear, but these revelations are a pretty big turn-off. If he likes his chances in Edmonton for the next three years, then he must really want out of Los Angeles. Didn’t expect this from a respected, seasoned veteran who has been a huge asset to this club’s growth over the past two seasons. I’m a huge Ryan Smyth fan, and please don’t let his horrid second-half relate to my appreciation for him, and denounce the rest of this entry. There are too many allegations and rumors ablaze, let’s just talk about the pros and cons in the situation that has developed around #94.

Can’t help but say, something smells downright fishy in this b*tch!

Pass the Tartar Sauce.

Whenever any player requests a move, chances are the reaction from the current club’s fanbase won’t be too sincere. For Smyth and those of the Kings, that has been the case. The majority of the fans seem to be welcoming a move, rather than sorting things out with the 15-year veteran. Unfortunately, that’s fueling a lot more hatred toward Smyth than I believe necessary. He was attacked on a consistent basis last summer from various analysts, as his age suddenly became a glowing negativity to his future. Smyth started the season on fire, contributing to Kings’s offensive production at a torrent pace. The overall consensus is a decline in Smyth’s performance, even though he recorded just six fewer points this season than he did in ’09-’10. However, Smyth tallied his 47 points in 82 games this year, compared to 53 in just 67 games the previous season. The ratios will clear the air. But is a near 50-point season a burden to this roster? That may not matter, the player may not match the role anymore.

Revelations have recently come about that there was a disgruntled veteran on the roster this season, and all fingers point at that being Smyth. You’ve got to be crazy to believe the Edmonton Oilers have a better shot at the Stanley Cup than the Kings in the coming three seasons. Is this selfishness we’re witnessing, an ego that can’t subdue itself? Smyth is clearly willing to surrender a decent shot at the Cup before his NHL career ends, in order to return home to headline a roster bundled with young, inexperienced prospects. But would he headline that roster? Edmonton’s core can develop on it’s own just fine, the past is nothing the Oilers need to flirt with. Smyth needs to realize his role in Los Angeles is more valuable, and that the opportunities are much greater with the Kings. Has he burned that bridge?

If Smyth does in fact get dealt, it only means a jump in the process for prospect initiation, or more action from Dean Lombardi in the free-agent market. If I had to guess a sensible time for a trade, it would happen in Minnesota this weekend at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. I could see Lombardi acting on an offer that included a couple of mid-round draft picks, the Edmonton Oilers happen to have two in the third round. Edmonton can’t exactly handle Smyth’s price easily, as they’ll be hesitant to give up cap-space, while the Kings’ are looking to drop some numbers for the free-agent market.

Just when you talk all the Kings hockey talk was over, Gann Matsuda pulls another story on Kings head athletic trainer Pete Demers. Take a look. It’s a great series for any serious Kings fan!

LOS ANGELES — Retired head athletic trainer Pete Demers spent 34 years in the Los Angeles Kings training room, and he quickly earned the deep respect of the players, coaches, general managers, owners, and team staff, many of whom continue to maintain friendships with him.

“[Demers] was a young guy who came into Los Angeles when I was there,” said Bob Pulford, who played on left wing for the Kings from 1970-71 to 1971-72, and was their head coach from 1972-73 through the 1975-76 season. “In those days, there was two of them [Demers and assistant athletic trainer John Holmes], and they did all the work. He was a hard working guy, and I demanded a lot from him. He learned to do the work, and he did it very well.”

“In those days, you became friends with your employees, and I found him to be a straightforward, wonderful person.”

Demers credits Pulford for making him a “real King.”

“He made me a real King,” he stressed. “Really firm. But if you had on your mind to stay at a place for a long time, you’d want to have it tough on you in the beginning. Something has to mold us into being able to do our jobs. They don’t just keep us here because we bring them their coffee, or something. Pulford was really firm, and I think that made the difference.”

“I got to be really good friends with him,” he added. “I’ve got to thank him for my longevity because he molded into me what it’s all about to be in the NHL. You have to have someone hammering you.”

Pulford acknowledged that he was tough on Demers, and that it was indeed a calculated move.

“I would imagine that I would’ve been difficult on him,” said Pulford. “But I did that to get him to be a better trainer, and I probably made him work a lot harder than he had done in the past. But he became a top trainer, something he’s very proud of now, too.”

“To become a top trainer, he has to know the industry, and he got to do that. You can’t let the players tell you how to treat [their ailments]. He learned to stand up to the players, and he made them do the right thing, which enabled him to give them the right treatment.”

Read the rest on Frozen Royalty.

“Dustin Penner needs to workout ‘this much’ during the summer.”

“This is also my reaction every time we’re on the Powerplay.”
“Ryan Smyth‘s nose is this big.” Next Question?

Per Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider, who sat down for an interview with Kings’ General Manager Dean Lombardi earlier today, a preview was provided of their transcribed dialogue. No direct quotes are provided, but Hammond gives a pretty clear view of how their talk played out. Of course, the first topic of discussion revolved around the NHL Entry Draft, which takes place in Minnesota this weekend. The two continued to touch on an intriguing contract renewal offer to a well-known defensive asset, the offseason free-agent market, Dustin Penner‘s summer, and the status of players on the mend. Quite frankly, Dean Lombardi seems to be on par with my outlook.

“The Kings, whose first pick in the draft is scheduled to be No. 49, would consider options to trade back into the first round but only for a deal that makes sense, not just for the sake of it. This year’s first round is not considered especially deep.”

Couldn’t agree more, and don’t expect Lombardi and the Kings to find a sensible deal this weekend either. Prospects aren’t atop the list of priorities this club needs to approach in the coming years, there is plenty of development in the Kings’ system. This isn’t the type of draft you throw a party for, the Kings are slotted for a 1st selection at #49 overall in the 2nd Round, and the year’s group isn’t too deep from the looks. This feeds into the mindset that trading up for a selection is clearly unnecessary, the Kings take the best player at their given time, nothing more needs to be done this weekend.

“Within the past few days, the Kings have made a “major” offer to Drew Doughty’s agent. Lombardi has made two trips to Toronto — location of the office of Don Meehan’s, Doughty’s agent — within the past four weeks, and the Kings would like to get a deal done before the draft, if possible. Lombardi said he is certainly aware of the risk of an offer sheet to Doughty but is not overly concerned.”

Key word – major. This quote screams long-term deal for Drew Doughty, just about cements Doughty as a King for the majority of his NHL career. Did I expect this to be an off-season move for Dean Lombardi? Not necessarily. Lombardi has preached work ethic and offseason conditioning since he’s been in Los Angeles, two departments many agree Doughty has lacked in. However, the smarts, the skill, and the presence are too much to risk parting ways with, especially when there’s experience and maturity still needed. I was 50/50 when it came to offering a long-term offer this summer, I was leaning toward a 2-3 year deal. Really, you couldn’t go wrong either way, and the player we’re dealing just has too much promise to even consider breaking ties with.

“The Kings are still in the market for a top-level forward, either through free agency or trade. Lombardi said that even if it was guaranteed that Dustin Penner would have a big season, statistically, the Kings would still seek outside help to improve their scoring numbers, both 5-and-5 and on the power play. Penner, Lombardi said, has been dedicated to working hard so far this summer, and Lombardi expressed optimism.”

Stop showing up looking like you spent your previous night engulfed in High Life’s after dinner at some grease barn. And, stop playing like shit. Liking that Lombardi stresses staying on the market this summer, as there are a few notable names in the mix that would fit the Kings’ direction. I’ll talk Zach Parise until it becomes a favorable rumor, as the New Jersey Devils filed for arbitration on their contract negotiations just days ago. He’ll be 27 years old at the start of the season, and is coming off of 92 and 84 point campaigns prior to just playing 13 games this year due to injury. He’s undoubtedly a top-line left winger, and will provide other options for fitting Dustin Penner into the system.

“Anze Kopitar is making great progress from his recovery from ankle surgery, Lombardi said, as is Justin Williams from his shoulder surgery. Willie Mitchell and Jonathan Quick also had minor medical procedures but will be ready for the start of training camp.”

As expected, good news coming regarding injuries, which is usually the case during the offseason. Anze Kopitar, who is back in Slovenia for a part of the summer, was feeling good enough for a round of golf just a few days ago. Kopitar played in a charity event, with some sick shorts and ankle tape for support. Rich Hammond blogs it here, and the original article here.

Get your fix. Get it here, and get it now. No looting on this side of town, folks.

KingsCast‘s annual Summer Hockey Roundtable has all six episodes running LIVE. If you’re behind on the times, or itching for a double dose of satisfaction, we’ve got you covered with clear-cut HD streams filled with offseason Kings analysis right here – all on one page. Keith and Chris bring this high profile cast straight into your living room with Kings banter from all angles.

While it’s hot!

- – -

- – -

- – -

- – -

- – -

You’d hate for the kids to think that you lost your cool.
This guy must be on cloud 9.

- – -

Touching on a broad array of minor topics here: I’ve got some updates on the Kings’ preseason schedule, the NHL Entry Draft – which sits just two weeks away, a bit of free agent discussion, and an ode to the hockey fans out in Atlanta. Also, KingsCast is right on par thus far with our predictions to the outcome of the Stanley Cup Finals. Check out our picks along with those of a few members of the Los Angeles hockey Media in my last segment.

Also, if you haven’t been keeping up with the annual KingsCast Summer Hockey Roundtable, you can tune in to the first five segments below – don’t get left out. This prime slew of guests are talking everything Kings hockey, from Drew Doughty‘s conditioning to Jack Johnson‘s disappointing post-contract play. Catch it from some of the best in the business, as Keith and Chris rep the Fourth Period Magazine, NBC Sports, ESPN Los Angeles, INSIDE SPORTS, HockeyTalk.biz, Frozen Royalty, and Mayor’s Manor. How do you beat that? You don’t.

- – -

If it’s not the Royals…: The preseason venture to Missouri is nothing new for the Kings, but not something that the team took part in last season. The venue is Kansas City’s Sprint Center, and a September 27th date is expected to see the Kings play the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh is a rare opponent, making this an intriguing exhibition in itself. Also factor in the possibility of this game being the return of Sidney Crosby, who sat out the second half of the season after suffering a concussion in the Winter Classic. The Kings’ travel itinerary that graces the preseason and the commencement of the regular season is already looking brutal.  With the overload of travel, expect the remainder of the preseason schedule to stay within the vicinity of the Los Angeles region, most likely split-squad contests with the Phoenix Coyotes and a date or two with the Anaheim Ducks. Here’s how the Kings travel plans look heading into the start of the season:

September 27 – Kansas City, Missouri: @ Pittsburgh Penguins (PRE)
October 1 – Las Vegas, Nevada: VS Colorado Avalanche (PRE)
October 4 – Hamburg, Germany: @ Hamburg Freezers (DEL) (PRE)
October 7 – Stockholm, Sweden: VS New York Rangers (REG #1)
October 8 – Berlin, Germany: VS Buffalo Sabres (REG #2)

Draft Outlook: Nothing to get too excited about when looking at the Kings’ scheduled selections in this year’s draft. When Dustin Penner was acquired, our first-round selection was shipped to Edmonton as part of the deal. Now, Dean Lombardi‘s looking at a first selection at #49 Overall in the 2nd Round. Lombardi is no stranger to trading up for higher picks, as he did last year in order to snag Derek Forbert. However, the Kings, at a developmental standpoint, are in promising condition. I wouldn’t have a problem with Lombardi holding off on working any deals, as I feel we’re simply at a point where we take the best player available at our given time. The core of our depth doesn’t have many glaring holes, I don’t see Lombardi chasing after players with specific assets unless they fall into our allotted selection.

Market Musings: Attention has once again centered on the Kings filling the left-wing void with a top-six forward. The Dustin Penner experiment is far from over, but his disappointing start has most looking for an alternative solution. A name that’s been tossed around the premature rumor mill is Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils. They’ve yet to reach an agreement on a new contract, and it looks as though the Devils will be filing for arbitration within the week. The Kings aren’t struggling with cap space, and they do have a few contracts that would be considered “tradeable”. Word has also lingered that Parise isn’t fully on board with Ilya Kovalchuk headlining the team, unfortunately for him that won’t be changing anytime soon.

As heartless as it gets.

Losing your team is tough, and Atlanta’s puckheads know this feeling all too well. This is the second time Atlanta has lost an NHL club – and likely, the last time. The degree of brutality in which the process was vindicated is what garners my attention. Anyone knows Atlanta is no striking marketplace for hockey, and the ownership surrendered to that theory – in pathetic fashion. They didn’t just play into the stereotype, they fueled it. Why people are questioning Winnipeg’s ability to support an NHL club is astounding to me. Sure, they failed the last time around, but you’ve got to be crazy to believe the financial situation won’t be one of the best in the league for years to come. Not only is Winnipeg starved for an NHL return, but they’re housing this club in an AHL building suited for just over 15,000 spectators. You want to talk revenue? Talk to this cheesy ownership that sold out Atlanta. My condolences to those in “Blueland”.