Flyers West?
Nah, it may be time to resurrect ‘Oliers South.’
Before Kings GM Dean Lombardi was accused of trying to bring a Philadelphia brand of hockey to Los Angeles, he was on the verge of repeating the cycle of team leaders from the early ’90s.
After Wayne Gretzky arrived, the franchise eventually acquired nearly every one of his former Oiler teammates – with one notable exception, Mark Messier.
When guys like Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene and Ryan Smyth started to fill the Kings locker room, some wondered if ‘Oilers South’ was about to make a comeback.
That story had been pushed to the back burner a bit though as the collection of former Flyers started to increase, peaking with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne nearly two months ago.
Now…we don’t deal with rumors much here on MayorsManor…so, this is more than a rumor.
In the next few days, look for another former Oiler to sign a one-year deal with the Kings (for around $1-million).
There’s strong indication that the Kings are willing to give the kids – i.e. Tyler Toffoli, Brandon Kozun, etc. – a shot in camp. Yet, that would be to add skill to the 2011-12 NHL roster.
Kyle Clifford is the extreme exception to the rule and teams usually can’t count on a youngster to bring a highly gritty game during his rookie season.
The Kings probably want to add some more ‘sandpaper’ and more importantly, a little more of a veteran presence. Lombardi knows his window to win is now open and he’s determined to put the Kings in the best possible position for success this season.
Oh, and this guy has worn a letter for two different teams and been to the Stanley Cup Finals. Not a bad guy to have around, right?
He’ll most likely see fourth line minutes with the Kings.
Also, it looks like this signing won’t take place without a physical.
So, if the reports come back clean (and I’m hearing they will – but I’m not a doctor), expect an announcement early this week – perhaps Tuesday.
If it doesn’t happen, just remember, a deal isn’t a deal until both sides sign the contract.
[1pm update: The Kings have confirmed Ethan Moreau is expected to sign a one-year, $600k contract on Monday, pending his physical.]
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