Will he stay or will he go now? (Flickr/Bridget Samuels)

The Los Angeles Kings organization made it painfully clear to Jonathan Bernier that his future with the organization, was not really much of a future at all. Since the signing of All-Star goaltender Jonathan Quick, to a 10 Year $58 Million Contract, Bernier has made it clear he wants to be traded. I think we all know it is highly unlikely, that Quick will royally suck like Roberto Luongo and let his backup take control. Sorry to break it to you JB you are not the next Cory Schneider!

With training camp starting in a little over a month’s time, it is imperative that the Kings trade Bernier. There is nothing more awkward than showing up to training camp with a team you publicly admitted wanting a trade from. Maybe he could get a few tips from Rick Nash?

Regardless here is the Bernier breakdown: In 47 games he has a record of 20-17-5, with a .910 save percentage and 2.50 goals against average. He is clearly inexperienced and lacking a few of the qualities a starting goaltender in the NHL must possess. What I am trying to politely say is that he’s a risk. Unfortunately for Bernier, if and when he is traded, he will most likely still be a backup.

So what do the Kings do with Bernier? Right now I think they hold on to him. The Kings organization has a track record of taking care of their players. Not only do they want to make a good deal for the organization, but for Bernier as well.

BUT don’t be shocked if the Toronto Maple Leafs made a play for Bernier, since Mr. Choke Luongo has passed, they are still looking to make a move. A lot can and will happen, obviously not during August, because as we all know August is hockey’s boring month. Don’t worry the time will fly by and there will be drama left and right!! 

In the wake of another tragedy the Los Angeles Kings owner Phil Anschutz shows his true colors once again, and donated $10,000 to the Jessica Redfield Sports Journalism Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship has been created to assist another aspiring sports reporter through school in Jessica’s name.

Jessica Ghawi, also known as @JessicaRedField on Twitter, was one of the victims of the shooting in Aurora, Colorado. Ghawi was a 24  year old aspiring sports journalist that had recently relocated to Aurora as a way to save money, and continue to pursue her goals in Colorado.

The fund had a goal of $20,000 in 120 days and thanks to the Kings donation that goal has been surpassed and the fund has already raised over $28,000 and there is still 119 days left to donate.

If you would like to donate or know someone else that would like to donate here is the official site!

A great day for Slovenia (Bridget Samuels/Flickr)

As always the Cup is making it’s way around the world, who wouldn’t want to spend a summer the way Lord Stanley does? This past weekend the Cup made it’s first trip to Jesenice, Slovenia with Kings Captain Anze Kopitar.

The Kings can continue to enjoy their summer worry free of losing any of their star players since they signed all of their free agents. Instead of going after the big fish, they took care of the guys that brought LA it’s first Stanley Cup.

So here is a brief update on what is happening with the other teams in the Pacific Division.

The San Jose Sharks – Were the #7 Seed in the West, and lost to the St. Louis Blues in the 1st Round.

On July 1st they lost free agent Torrey Mitchell to Minnesota (It seems everyone is losing their best free agents to Minnesota). The Sharks have multiple unsigned free agents most of whom will not return to San Jose next year. After a pretty pathetic run in the Playoffs this year, it doesn’t look that they are going to make a better showing this coming season. The big question on everyone’s mind is what are the Sharks going to do about it? They have yet to make a splash in the off season, something that might do it would be trading veteran Patrick Marleau. This could be a possibility, we will see.

The Dallas Stars – A disappointing end of the season saw the Stars barely miss the Playoffs.

The Stars have made a couple of interesting moves, the 1st of which was signing Ray Whitney, after a great run in the playoffs with the Phoenix Coyotes it was an interesting move to leave. The 2nd was signing Jaromir Jagr to a 4.55 Million, 1 year deal at the age of 40 he is first in goals, assists and points among active. Not a terrible veteran to add to your roster. The Stars also traded Steve Ott to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Derek Roy. They also added Defensemen Aaron Rome from the Vancouver Canucks as well.

Right now the Stars are making a lot of interesting changes adding a lot of veteran leadership to their line-up. Clearly someone doesn’t want the Stars to make the same mistakes as last year. 

The Anaheim Ducks – Finished last in the Pacific and were out of the playoff race before it even started.

Right now it doesn’t look like the Ducks are going to be any better off next season. They are most likely going to lose Bobby Ryan, who made some not very encouraging comments during the Draft. They have acquired veteran (D) Sheldon Souray from Dallas, (RW) Brad Staubitz from Montreal, and (D) Bryan Allen from Carolina. Despite adding these talented defensemen,  it just doesn’t seem like enough to pull them from the depths of the Pacific Division.

The Phoenix Coyotes – Were the #3 Seed in the West, and lost to the Kings in the Division Championship.

The big question for the Coyotes right now is Shane Doan, will he sign or will he leave? Doan is starting to look at his options and I think it is highly possible that he might not finish his career in Phoenix. In the mean time the Coyotes resigned Kyle Chipchura and acquired Steve Sullivan from Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, Ray Whitney signed with Dallas, so they lose a big part of the leadership of their team.

If Doan decides to leave Phoenix even with the great goaltending of Mike Smith the Coyotes will be in a bit of trouble.

I love saying it but right now it looks like the Kings are the clear front runner in the Pacific Division!

The Boys are Back! (Flickr/Bridget Samuels)

Dustin Penner signed a $3.25 million contract yesterday, keeping him a King for another year! With the signing of Penner the Stanley Cup Championship team remains intact. Even though Penner had a less than stellar regular season, his impact during the Playoffs was monumental. Worthy of a long term contract, but the opportunity to remain a part of a Championship team is what Penner wanted.

Here is what Penner had to say about the deal, from NHL.com

“My mindset was, I wanted to be on a championship team,” Penner said in a conference call. “In the past, when I was in Anaheim, I kind of flew the coop early. I didn’t get to be part of a championship team the following year, which is something that delayed my signing of the offer sheet because I wanted to be a part of that. It’s a great organization here with the Kings … I wanted to be a part of that for another year.”

Penner acknowledged, “I knew there was probably other teams that would have offered me more than a year,” but reiterated he wanted to return to the same group. He made a reference to the movie “The Matrix” to describe his outlook.

“I had taken the blue pill last time,” he said. “This time, I wanted to take the red pill … I wanted to see what it was like to be back on a team that I won a championship with. It’s a great opportunity for myself, personally, to have the year I’ve wanted to have as a King. Last year wasn’t anywhere near people’s expectations, and especially my own. I look forward to having that opportunity to redeem myself further.”

Even with the signing of Penner the Kings still have some breathing room and are going after another big, name Minnesota’s own Zach Parise. The Kings are one of many teams including Pittsburgh, New Jersey and Minnesota, biding for Parise’s time. He has yet to make a decision, but has said that he plans on making his decision today! 

 So will Parise be the newest King? We will find out soon fans, keep your ears to the ground!

Keeping the team together! (Flickr/Bridget Samuels)

All it takes is a couple of great seasons and a shiny silver cup to make a deal of a lifetime! Jonathan Quick will be the first King (yes not even Wayne signed for 10 years) to be signed to a 10 year $58 Million deal. The new deal will kick in after next season, which they get him for a $1.7 Million bargain! This deal ties Quick to the Kings through the 2022-23 season.

Quick, is only the 3rd American born player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy, and at the age of 26 he lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup in 45 years, not to mention represented them in the All-Star game and was the Vezina Trophy runner-up. How’s your burger Jonathan Quick?

July 1 is the first day contracts can be signed under terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Here is what Quick had to say in the LA Times:

“It’s a younger group,” he said. “You want to keep everyone here, keep as much of this team intact as you can. Obviously, we know it’s part of the game where some guys get moved and it’s unfortunate. But we want to keep as much of the team intact.

“We really love the group. The chemistry we have in the room is awesome.”

For a complete list of Jonathan Quicks accomplishments check out this article on NHL.com

In other Kings News:

Good Luck JB! (Flickr/ Dinur Blum)

Kings back-up goaltender Jonathan Bernier has asked to be traded. Speaking as a goaltender myself I know what it is like to be stuck behind someone that is an unbelievable goalie, but you yourself are also very talented. Now that Quick is going to be signed for 10 years it would be smart for Bernier to move on now. He is a very capable tender that can and most likely will be the starter somewhere soon!

Also the Stanley Cup Game 6 puck has been found and is making it’s return to LA! Way to go Patrik Elias!

Best Championship Performance - King Nominated Jonathan Quick

MVP (Flickr/ Bridget Samuels)

The Contenders -

David Freese, St. Louis Cardinals (World Series)

Lebron James, Miami Heat (NBA Playoffs)

Eli Manning, New York Giants (Super Bowl)

Tony Stewart, Nascar? (Sprint Cup)

Who should win? Without a doubt the winner should be Jonathan Quick, the stats he put up during the playoffs are unmatched, especially by the contenders in this category. I could go through all of his stats and make fun of Lebron, but that has been done before, so I am going to refrain from any of that.

Best Upset - King Nominated The Los Angeles Kings (duhh)

The Contenders -

Iowa State over Oklahoma State

Lehigh over Duke

Norfolk State over Missouri

Who should win? This category should be a no brainer for voters, the 3 upsets the Kings are up against were single game upsets. The Kings however upset the Stanley Cup Playoffs! Which happen to be the most grueling in all of sports! I rest my case, use your head people.

Best NHL Player – King Nominated Jonathan Quick

The Contenders -

Claude Giroux, Philadelphia Flyers

Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers

Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Who should win? This is a really tough call, of course I would love for Jonathan to get this honor, but did he have a better overall season then each of these contenders? Thinking as a hockey fan and not simply a Kings fan, I would actually pick Stamkos to take this award. Stamkos scored 60 goals this season, which has only been achieved by Alexander Ovechkin since 1996. Not any easy task just ask Evgeni Malkin who only had 50 goals this year, but led the league in points. Unfortunately I think Jonathan is out gunned in this one, Stamkos or Malkin is my guess. 

Best Team – The Los Angeles Kings

Clean shaven Kings! (Flickr/Prayitno)

The Contenders -

Alabama Football

Baylor Women’s Basketball

Kentucky Men’s Basketball

Miami Heat

New York Giants

St. Louis Cardinals

Who should win?  Obviously I believe what the Kings did in the playoffs this year was one of the most amazing runs in cup history, which of these other teams was an 8 seed, that had to go through the 1st, 2nd and 3rd seed just to get to the Championship? The answer is none of the above! The Cardinals did have a great run as well as the Giants, but if the Heat win this category I will NOT be happy! This one will be interesting to watch since viewers can continue to vote during the show, and can also vote using twitter. So Kings fans remember MY @ESPYS vote for #BestTeam is the LA Kings!

Darryl Sutter was also Nominated in the Best Coach/Manager category. I do not know enough about the contending coaches, so I will wish Darryl good luck and hope that Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat coach), does not win. 

In other Kings News things are progressing nicely with the Organization and Quick to take care of his contract. He has 1 year remaining that will pay him 1.7 million next year (Can you say underpaid? Bargain?). Quick cannot officially sign an extension until Sunday, July 1st, so look for more on this topic next week!

Kings Sign Stoll (Flickr/Bridget Samuels)

Yesterday the Kings decided to not only bring in a fresh face, but to also keep a few smiling faces around. Jarret Stoll and Colin Fraser were both signed to multi-year contracts by the Kings. I am one happy camper, because without that unbelievable game winning goal by Stoll against Vancouver we might never have held that shiny cup!

The newest member of the Stanley Cup Champion Kings is Tanner Pearson from the Barrie Colts (OHL). Pearson was the final selection of the First Round, which means that the Columbus Blue Jackets will be taking the Kings 1st Round pick in the 2013 Draft.

This is the 3rd year Pearson has been eligible for the Draft, clearly this has been a long time coming for him! Unfortunately with the re-signing of Fraser and Stoll, there is not a lot of room for another Center in the line-up. Pearson is listed as a LW, but has said that he is a true center that has spent a considerable amount of time as a RW. Nonetheless this talented individual will get his opportunity soon!

Draft Day Round 2 the Kings selected:

LW Nikolay Prokhorkin (18) in the 4th Round (121st overall), from CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

D Colin Miller (19)  in the 5th Round (151st overall), from Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL.

RW Tomas Hyka (19) in the 6th Round (171st overall), from Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL.

D Paul Ladue (19)  in the 6th Round (181st overall), from the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. *A Bemidji, MN Native!*

D Nick Ebert (18) in the 7th Round (211th overall), from the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL.

The Kings traded the 183rd selection (seventh round) to the Stars for Dallas’ seventh-round selection in 2013. 

2012 NHL Draft Day 1!

What a great day it is to be a young hockey player. I had a very interesting talk last year after the first night of the Draft with Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville. Basically bombarding him with questions and snide remarks about not getting drafted. Here is what we came up with… I am not a dude and not 18 years old. Which really sucks, but I moved on!

Tonight is the night that so many young stars will look back on one day and have very fond memories of standing on that stage in the NHL limelight for the very first time. Not all end up living up to what the scouts think they will, but regardless it is still a great day!

The Kings will most likely be making 7 selections over the next couple of days. 

1st Round 30th pick (optional – CBJ) – They can take this pick from the Kings in either the 2012 or 2013 Draft. 

4th Round 121st pick

5th Round 151st pick

6th Round 171st pick

6th Round 181st pick

7th Round 183rd pick

7th Round 211th pick

This is difficult to predict, because the Kings are a very young and talented team. They don’t have a lot of gaps in their line-up that need to be filled. If Columbus elects not to take the Kings 1st Round pick then most likely they will select Colton Sissons of the Kelowna Rockets (WHL). If Columbus does elect to take the Kings 1st Round pick then they won’t be on the board until the 4th Round with the 121st pick. As you can see predicting the Kings pick is really a very difficult one, we will just have to wait and see what happens in a few hours!

Part 1 of the Draft airs tonight on NBC Sports and Part 2 will air tomorrow! 

Doughty Celebrating (Flickr/JulieAndSteve)

The Los Angeles County prosecutors are reviewing an allegation by a 25-year old woman, claiming to have been sexually assaulted earlier this year by Kings Defensemen Drew Doughty.

Currently the allegations are under review, but Doughty’s attorney Craig Renetzky has told papers that he expects the case will be rejected.

Here is what the LA Times had to say:

Sgt. Robert Higgins said the 25-year-old woman told police she met Doughty at a bar near the Hermosa Beach Pier on March 1. The two went to Doughty’s home, where she turned down a proposition in front of several teammates.

They took a cab to her home, where she accused Doughty of raping her. The woman reported the incident to police the same day. Higgins said detectives asked her to call the hockey player while they listened, but she refused. He said the woman has been “less than cooperative” and that the district attorney’s office and police have “found credibility problems.”

Time will tell where this story goes, with success comes jealousy and everyone will be scrutinizing these players. Hopefully Drew gets through these charges and nothing more comes of it.

A thing of Beauty!

The Los Angeles Kings players, coaches and other team officials will be riding double-decker buses down a mile stretch of Figueroa Street, this afternoon in Los Angeles. The parade will begin at noon and is expected to last 30 to 45 minutes, and end between L.A. Live and Staples Center.

That is going to be one heck of a party, that has been 45 Years in the making. I hope Wayne makes an appearence!? I’m talking about The Great One in case you were wondering, which I hope you were NOT.

For those fans not living in Los Angeles the NHL Network will be broadcasting the Parade, check your local listing so you do not miss a minute of the madness!!