Jul
28
2011
DOUGHTY TO NY? I PREDICTED THIS LONG AGO!!!
Author: kingster
Here’s Eklund today, finally picking up on WHAT I KNEW long ago:
Also, add to this rumors that have been under the surface for a few days now. The Rangers have let it be known they want to be included in any talk involving Drew Doughty. And who else wants in on those talks?
The obvious answer is of course: Everyone.
However…Remember the Devils source I was talking with yesterday?
He told me that besides the Sharks, the Devils are going to push as hard if not harder than anyone to get Doughty…
The team who could make the biggest pitch for Drew Doughty…The Penguins.
A source: “Since everyone knows Crosby and Doughty are friends, and everyone also knows the need for the Kings to make a big push, many are speculating that a Doughty for Malkin deal could benefit all sides…Right now, I wouldn’t call it anything beyond speculation, but you probably could find some sources who would say it is actually a rumor. It isn’t at this point…but that could change quickly this weekend.”
Now, here’s my post from April 27 of this year, titled “DOUGHTY TO NY?
Drew Doughty out for drinks at the “Monkey Bar” in New York with hot young actress Meaghan Martin. Hmmmm…..
OK, listen I’m not an expert and I’m not a rumormonger, but here’s what I heard from someone VERY inside – an UNIMPEACHABLE source in the Kings organization. The Rangers have Gaborik, Drury, Wolski up front. They have Staal and Girardi on D and they intend to let McCabe walk.
They saw in the Washington series that they are a “Weber/Suter” D pairing away from being an exceptional team.
THEY WANT DOUGHTY and they want him BAD.
Now, you say NO WAY, right? Well here’s a couple reasons why my source is saying this deal will be done:
1) I know, I know, Doughty is a Restricted Free Agent and it’s like 12 first round picks if the Rangers get him. But listen to me. That does not mean the teams .. and the player .. can’t work something out. The Kings do NOT want to be in a bidding war even if they hold all the cards – it’ll only make DD’s price higher. The Rangers don’t want to give up all those picks. And if Doughty wants out (what I am told) then this can happen. Rangers can turn this into a trade for Doughty’s rights, knowing already that Drew has committed to a number with them.
2) The “donuts” thing. This isn’t a joke. The guy eats and parties too much and the Kings don’t like it. He’s been talked to, agrees to knock it off but then he is right back out there in the same clubs I see him in weekly.
3) DOUGHTY WANTS OUT. He’s no fan of Terry Murray, he’s no fan of Dean Lombardi and he does not see in LA what he wants to see – a passion not just to have “bridges and fillers” etc, but a passion to WIN IT ALL. The guy has been a superstar and champion his whole life, and he’s tired of losing in a city with no hockey fans. He wants to play in NY and he will NOT sign long term in LA. Doughty is also annoyed by the “donuts” thing and believes the fans and organization are treating him poorly.
4) NY has the money and the players. They have the cap space too with dumb signings like Frolov off the books. NY can and will offer a 7 mil 7 year type deal. LA and Dumbardi won’t.
5) Doughty and Staal? Gaborik, Drury and Wolski?
6) The match is PERFECT. The Kings have young Dmen up the ass. Jack Johnson then Hickey, Forbort and Voynov? That’s a solid d core for years to come. The Rangers meanwhile, can forego giving up future picks and load the deal with young top rated forwards. Here’s what HF has to say about NY’s forward prospects:
The Rangers are absolutely loaded up front, particularly at center. Derek Stepan and Evgeny Grachev headline the center position, while Ethan Werek, Roman Horak, Ryan Bourque, and Andrew Yogan give New York spectacular depth down the middle. The wingers are also very strong with the likes of Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, Carl Hagelin, and Christian Thomas all ranking among the club’s top 10 prospects.
7) See the photo? Meaghan Martin is hot. Drew Doughty likes the nightlife in NY.
IN CONCLUSION
I don’t usually give out ratings this high, but the “fit” is perfect. NY is known for this sort of thing and Dean Lombardi needs to free up money on his internal cap to get in the Richards bidding. It will basically end up having the Kings get Richards, a BUTTLOAD of great forward prospects and lose Doughty .. and they’ll SAVE money. It’s a no brainer. So I give it a Toe Blake rating or 86% that this deal gets done.
-Toe