The Los Angeles Kings haven’t played a game since April 14th. And they’re not scheduled to return to their practice facility in El Segundo until mid-September.
Which means we’re past the midpoint of the summer break. So, what have the players been up to? Here’s a brief rundown of some of their activities…
Anze Kopitar – According to coach Terry Murray, “Everything is great with Kopitar.” That’s how he described things during a conversation following the team’s Development Camp. Murray went on to explain, “It was a very serious injury (broken bone), but he’s been cleared. He’s doing all the off ice things necessary…and his plans were to get back on the ice at the end of this month.”
Dustin Penner – The D.Penner comedy tour made a stop here at MayorsManor last week. Seriously, if you missed the interview, do yourself a favor and read it. He talks about his intense summer training, mixed in with some great one-liners on NHL marketing, the NBA lockout, his shoes and much more. (full interview)
Justin Williams – In our season-ending debrief with GM Dean Lombardi, he spoke of Williams needing to decide if he wanted to have surgery or go through more physical therapy this summer. “Obviously, there’s an issue there,” Lombardi said regarding his right shoulder. “It’s going to be a player (decision),” he explained. “He can get it 90% back” without surgery, but “the issue is obviously the long term effect.” A few days later it was reported that Williams opted for surgery and he’s expected to be ready for training camp in September. (interview with Lombardi)
Simon Gagne – Have you heard, the Kings signed another former Philadelphia Flyer (LAKings.com)
Mike Richards – He’ll be introduced to the LA media next Wednesday afternoon. MayorsManor will be on hand with full coverage.
Dustin Brown – According to his twitter postings, he’s been at a wedding near Oneida Lake in New York, golfing with his wife (raising money for child abuse prevention) and of course, he won the Foundation Award at the NHL Awards last month (video and award notes).
Jarret Stoll – For the sixth straight year, Stoll hosted a golf tournament back home in Canada, raising $250,000. Joining him was teammate Brad Richardson, Shane O’Brien, Paul Bissonnette, uber prospect Brayden Schenn and his new teammate Scott Hartnell (Flyers), plus members of the Blue Jackets, Ducks, Maple Leafs, Panthers, Stars and Wild. (details here)
Brad Richardson – Now that Alexander Frolov has returned to Russia, Richardson is said to be the guy keeping South Bay fashion boutiques in business.
Trevor Lewis – His hometown paper reports he was on hand for last Friday’s press conference regarding the 2012 USA Hockey High School National Championships. (Utah Desert News)
Kyle Clifford – Although Kentucky Fried Chicken has yet to call The Colonel with an endorsement offer, he did recently sign a multi-year contract with Bauer. Somebody’s getting new equipment for next season.
Jack Johnson – Unconfirmed reports say he’s been spending some time under the needle, taking the advice of Matt Greene and getting a bald eagle tattooed across his chest. (Greene interview)
Willie Mitchell – He joined Calgary Flames forward Brendan Morrison for a fishing tournament recently, all to raise money for schools, hospitals and parks in British Columbia.(full story)
Rob Scuderi – Being a huge New York Jets fan, he finally exhaled yesterday when it was announced the NFL season will be played as scheduled. Or will it? (NFL.com)
Alec Martinez – Signed a new two-year contract with the Kings. (contract notes and other signings here)
Davis Drewiske – Recently hosted a 3-on-3 charity hockey event for kids. Joining him were fellow Kings Matt Greene, Kevin Westgarth, Peter Harrold and Scott Parse – plus members of the Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche and Nashville Predators. (Hudson Star Review)
[update: In more news related to the Kings resident enforcer, Westgarth is set to marry Meagan Cowher on August 12th. If her last name sounds familiar, yes – she’s the daughter of former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher. The two met while at Princeton. However, getting the Super Bowl wining coach to agree to the union took some ‘cajoling,’ according to Westgarth (The Windsor Star)]
Jonathan Quick – According to his twitter postings, he’s been spending quite a bit of time with Matt Moulson (Islanders), Cam Atkinson (Blue Jackets), Matt Lashoff (Maple Leafs) and Mark Arcobello (Oilers). They’ve been working out together, playing Cranium and going deep sea fishing – where they caught some baby sharks in the Atlantic. (pictures here)
Jonathan Bernier – Played in the IIHF World Championships for Canada a few weeks after the Kings season ended. He posted a 2.01 goals-against average and a record of 2-1 in three games played, including a 3-2 win over former Kings goaltender Erik Ersberg and Team Sweden. (game sheet here)
Drew Doughty – He’s had a fairly uneventful summer. I haven’t seen or heard his name in the news much at all. Last summer was different, he even squared off against team captain Dustin Brown. (story here)
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Kopitar Out, Can Watch His Son Against Arizona
Per recent tradition, it will be the Kings and Coyotes in a pair of split-squad games to open up preseason on Tuesday night. LA captain Anze Kopitar will not suit up, but he will get a chance to watch his son … [Read More...]