alt="LA Kings Insider with Rich Hammond" />The Kings certainly won’t be caught short when their third line is on the ice. In Fredrik Modin (listed at 6-foot-4), Michal Handzus (6-3) and Wayne Simmonds (6-2), the Kings have put together a trio with size that could be very strong in the defensive end. With Handzus’ and Simmonds’ ability to go to the net, and Modin’s slap shot, it could have offensive potential as well. Of course it’s hard to predict, on paper, how a line will come together, but here are Terry Murray’s thoughts about the new-look line…
MURRAY: “I just felt, after last night, that I needed to make a few changes with our look. We started the right way. The first 10 minutes or so were good. We executed, we got the first goal of the game, but we gave up the tying goal and then we got a little unraveled from that point, not executing the right way. So this is a change for a change, maybe. It’s a change to give a big body like Modin an opportunity to fit into a role where I see he has been playing the last couple years. It gives me a line that I feel very comfortable with, that can play against anybody in the league now, with three big bodies.
“I know, when I go back looking at Modin through Tampa Bay and even when he went to Columbus as an unrestricted free agent his first year, he had a tremendous year. He has a nice offensive side to his game. He’s got a big shot that we want to take advantage of, and this hopefully will kind of get him settled in and bring that game out.”
I hope Modin can turn back into the player that was a beast for Tampa during their cup run. I remember him scoring very big goals for them in the finals and being an impacvt player everytime on the ice. I dont remember much of that from him in columbus. If he does well for us the rest of the year, I can see Dean signing him this summer for a year or two.
@tornado12, After the trade, I actually had to laugh when I read one Columbus fan write, “I hope Modin can make it to the airport without pulling his groin.”
“I know, when I go back looking at Modin through Tampa Bay and even when he went to Columbus as an unrestricted free agent his first year, he had a tremendous year.”
Modin, along with Norrena, was traded to Columbus for Marc Denis. He signed an extension with Columbus never becoming an unrestricted free agent.
@wavesinair, can i add that we should sign him IF he stays healthy? The Kings God’s know we are owed a couple (Allison/Deader/Bure/Etc, etc)
@tornado12, for sure! I wonder if there is a franchise stat for most games lost due to injury… i’m guessing the kings are up there.
I like the idea of putting simmonds with a couple of big experienced players…because simmonds usually seems to be matched with guys who are either getting outmuscled or don’t know where to go and then simmonds makes a play but then there’s nobody to pass to or position themselves correctly for a rebound. This could work out….
@tornado12,
Modin was a fine player in his day. I, too, remember him from Tampa’s Cup year. I think he’ll contribute more than enough down the stretch and in the playoffs to justify a 7th round pick.
But as for re-signing him for next year, let’s not kid ourselves. It’s not going to be a high priority. He’s on the downside of his career, but also he won’t come cheap compared to the younger forwards who will be due for a shot at the roster next year. At his age, he won’t be getting quicker or more durable, whereas the younger guys are still on the rise. And his presence on the roster could block their progress. I just don’t see DL making a major push to keep Modin beyond this year unless 2 or 3 of the current top 9 forwards go over a cliff in the same car.
Modin’s future is based on the remainder of the season. Yes, at his age there is an injury risk, in which case the one of the youngsters for Manchester will get a shot, but you can’t tell me that if he scores 10 goals, and then another 8 in the playoffs that DL will not try to sign him. If a player fits a team perfectly you have too do whats best for the team.
@luc20rules,
Modin scoring 10 goals in less than 20 games would be nothing short of astounding, so I think you’re being a wee bit hyperbolic. I don’t rule out him getting hot in the playoffs, but seriously, what we can expect from Modin and Halpern is that they will make good supporting plays on a regular basis (like the key check that Modin made on Nashville’s 3rd PP last night) and chip in a point here and there.
Seriously, no matter how well Modin does down the stretch, is DL going to make him a higher priority over the summer than re-signing Frolov, who is nearly a decade younger and offers far more long-term value to the team? Is he going to make Modin a higher priority than going after Marleau or another younger high-grade UFA? I would be astounded.
Also, do you really believe that, given what we already know about DL’s plan for the Kings, that he would let an aging veteran like Modin take up a roster spot that could belong to Moller, or Schenn, or Jimmy Neutron? I just don’t see it.
I hope Modin does brilliantly for the Kings down the stretch. And I think he’ll make valuable contributions. But face it: He’s 36. Hockey players don’t improve at that age, and tend to decline markedly. If he’ll re-up with the Kings at a bargain price, DL may take him for depth. But when you factor in the other things that DL will want to accomplish this summer, I don’t see how even the best case for Freddy Modin will make him more than 3rd or 4th item on that list.
@DougS, I could see DL looking to re-sing Modin or Halpern to a 4th line role for cheap on one year deals because he isn’t going to want to put players like Moller or Schenn down on the 4th line where they won’t be getting consistent minutes. Responsible hard working veterans that can provide some energy and depth while still being solid defensively wouldn’t be bad for a 4th line. Obviously this isn’t going to be the priority in the offseason but if they play well I wouldn’t be suprised to see one or both of them back next season.
I think come July 1 the Kings will be looking for the best defenseman they can get more than anything else. OD clearly will have to be at least moved down to a 5 -6th defenseman because of age.
Fro is just another forward out there for hire. Dime a dozen.
@KC23,
Yes, I agree that bolstering the D will be a priority as well. I think the 5th and 6th spots will be up for grabs. DL will take a close look at where Martinez, Voinov and Hickey are all at, but I agree that he’ll be shopping for a veteran UFA too.
Frolov is replaceable, yes. If he can’t be re-upped at the right price his vacated cap space will probably go toward making an offer for Marleau or something that like that. DL is playing a strong hand in that 8 of the top 9 forwards are under contract for next year, so TM will still have plenty of parts with which to play Rubik’s Cube no matter what. If Fro walks, his spot could go to a high-level UFA, or Moller or Schenn or Loktionov gets a shot at it.
I think that DL will seriously try to re-sign Frolov, but he’s going to hold the line on what he’s willing to pay, and he knows he has options if that offer isn’t good enough.
My point was simply that, given what else DL needs to do, and given the depth that he will have on the forward line next September no matter what, I don’t see that he’s going to make it a high priority to lock up the twilight years of Freddy Modin’s NHL career.
I doubt the Kings will resign Modin, As far as Frolov goes I think DL will have a set price for his services. And I would like to hear your oppinions about resigning ODonnell
@KC23,
Fro is a dime-a-dozen player? Wow. I mean seriously, do you actually believe that?
@KC23,There are times when I seriously disagree with you.This is deffenately one of them.It’s hard to understand how Fro can’t get any love from some Kings fans.
I’d rather not resign O’Donnell. I like the guy, but he’s slowed and been makings a lot of bone-headed plays. If we still need veteran leadership on the d, I’d rather look for another veteran this summer.