We’ll have plenty more from this morning’s conference call with Kings GM Dean Lombardi next hour. However, one of the many questions addressed was the ongoing status of talks with left wing Bud Holloway.
The entire background story on Holloway, a 25-year old left wing who’s been in Europe the past two seasons, is up here.
About a week ago, MayorsManor was informed by a source close to the situation that Holloway was very close to signing. Then, things cooled off over the next 48 hours. When we asked Lombardi for an update today, he first said -“We’re still plugging away. That’s the way negotiations go; they can get hot, get cold. So, that’s something that’s still in process.”
After asking a follow-up question, he then expanded on his thoughts…
“He’s like a lot of kids, he’s a good prospect,” said Lombardi. “I guess it’s safe to say, him going over there, the reports on him were all very good. He’s played in the minors. But, until he gets on the NHL rink and he goes through the ups and downs then you don’t know for sure. But, it’s fair to say that given what he did over in Europe, and again it’s not an NHL playing field, that this is certainly a guy that is a good prospect. I think if he wants to be an NHL player – which I think most of these kids do, particularly a Canadian kid like this – it makes a lot of sense. So, let’s get over here and give it another shot. He’s more mature, he’s a better player (now).”
Considering the Kings’ lack of depth on the left side and their salary cap troubles, adding Holloway could be an important piece to filling out the team’s 2013-14 roster.
For more on Holloway’s story with the Kings, including Lombardi’s comments upon finding out he was going to play in Sweden, click here.
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I’d love to see Bud sign with the Kings!!