The S.S...S. Kings

by Anne

My sister often rags on me for talking about the Kings or any other NHL team too much in my Sabres blog, however, I cannot help but discuss my loyalties here.

The Los Angeles Kings, quiet on July 1, have made a few splashes in the last few days. First was signing The Piece. And then, on Friday night, the Kings traded prolific blogger Tom Preissing and "mobile" defenseman Kyle Quincey to Colorado for A SCORING WINGER... Ryan Smyth formerly of the Oilers, Islanders and Avs. Preissing went to college in Colorado, so hopefully he'll enjoy it there, and maybe stay up with the big club. He was put on waivers this year and spent a good deal of time in Manchester.

Smyth actually had a no-trade clause, but waived it when presented with the trade to LA. Most likely because he played with Greener and Stolly in Edmonton and they were BFFs... ok well, they did play together in Edmonton, that much is true. The blog post I just read spelled Greene wrong. Disaster. Anyway, LA has been rebuilding the smart way. If you compare the bottom teams of two years ago, Tampa and Los Angeles, the Kings took the more conservative route by not going crazy and signing tons of big-name free agents. They know re-building takes time and they're doing it through drafts, trades and smart free-agent signings. Would Mike Komisarek have helped the Kings? Absolutely. Jay Bouwmeester? No question. However, they were too pricey for the Kings plan, and so they didn't go crazy on that front. Well done, Dean.

Its pretty exciting that the Kings went out and got a player like Smyth. They need the veteran experience, playoff experience and scoring capability. They need a player like him and a player like Scuderi will help, definitely. They have two great puck movers in Doughty and Johnson, so Quincey was excellent trade fodder.

With Schenn, Scuderi and Smyth coming up soon, (Schenn maybe not quite yet, but...) things are looking bright for the rebuilding Los Angeles Kings.

Smyth will also help this one out, I'm sure

Let's Go Kings!

Free Agency Day 2

by Anne

The Sabres didn't do anything, neither did the Canucks. Fortunately, the Pens and Kings stepped up to the plate and made a move that really doesn't make a whole lot of difference to me.

Former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Rob Scuderi signed a four-year deal to play with the Los Angeles Kings. For me, this move was lateral. He moves from my #2 Eastern team to one of my two favorite Western teams. He'll be a great partner for Doughty or Johnson. Give them space to make the strong first pass to the forwards, and park it in front of the net. He and Greener play a similar game.

The Piece comes to the City of Angels

Other than that, nothing else seems to have happened today as far as my four teams are concerned. Jason LaBarbera signed with Phoenix late at night on the first. Not sure who the Canucks back-up will be next season, maybe Schnieder? I'm not sure if I want him just parking it on the bench, though.

Mike Komisarek went to Toronto. He and Luke Schenn would be one terrifying shut-down pair. They're both quite large, foxy, gentlemen.

No word on Staffy and his contract, Kris Versteeg and his contract or what other moves the Sabres are going to make. Whatevs. I hope that Darcy is trying his darndest to move Yoyo and Hank. Get those boys outta here. Also, what's up with Max?

We're approaching the one year anniversary of Big Bear leaving me for Vancouver and Craigory coming to us from San Jose.

Woooooooo. That also means my birthday is fast approaching because Darcy gave me the worst birthday present ever by trading Steven away ON MY BIRTHDAY.

No big bad deals had better happen on Saturday or I'll be QUITE put-out.

Check y'all later.