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About This Page: This is a discussion on LA Kings Talk within the LetsGoKings.com forums, at Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fan Forum. LIFE'S GREAT AT THE SUPER 8!!!
...see you down the road...
Im recalling an interview where Conroy specefied HOW he got to Calgary from Red Deer, which was the responsibility of the Kings.
I understand and I agree. However, it didn't come out until months after that it was the Flames' decision to have Conroy ride seperately from Red Deer to Calgary.
Until then, I felt the same. I was pissed that one of the classiest players in the organization was treated fairly bad on the way out. After I read that it was Calgary's request, I felt pretty indifferent about it.
To all those "concerned" about the Kings ever getting a UFA to play here with these types of "allegations" of unfair treatment...
I believe a quality UFA would be more deterred by our lack of goaltending rather than the opinion of a bitter, broken down goalie that could not stop a puck.
It does seem that the Kings take abuse quite a bit.
Rob Blake
Labs
Conroy
Avery
Cloutier
All complained about being "mis-treated." I would be concerned, but this has happened under different owns and managers. And the GM's that were part of the stories are all considered players GM's.
I just see this as both parties are at fault. Cloutier is not hurting for money and given how his career is in jeopardy, he should be wisely saving, investing, and taking care of his wealth. He should have fronted the bill for his wife and child and fought for compensation and for the Kings to provide a place for them.
It is not like the Kings are spotless and anyone watching from the outside saw that Cloutier wasn't getting a red carpet in LA. The team should have taken better care of him and not played him so much while he was hurt. He should have been given more time in Manchester and more starts. We just have a cluster-**** of goalie contracts that it makes it hard to place them all but Cloutier was definitely the ranking goaltender and should have been given first chance at those starts.
It is just a sad state of affairs and he will likely be bought out and go his own way. You feel bad for both parties and both parties could have handled things better but it is essentially over now so there is little to talk about other than not letting it happen again.
Regardless anyone who says, it's a game and life goes on, and then reports this to media and TV is not worth the salt it would take to cover his crease.
Regardless of lousy play, you don't treat your employees/players like that. Everyone's saying "oh boo-hoo, poor Cloutier and his $3.1 million" but think about if it was you. Would you complain if you were in the same situation? I bet you would. It's easy to say otherwise until you're the one in that situation. You'd think I'm a Cloutier fan, standing up for him here, but no, not so much. Still, regardless of being a fan or not, it's what is and isn't the right thing to do.
Considering players on the Kings have often commented on how WELL they are treated, I assume this is an isolated incident blown out of proportion by a newspaper looking for a story and a disgruntled player who is used to NHL treatment that's been relegated to the minros.
Most of the guys in the minors are making their entry level minor salaries - not 3.1 million a year. Bernier rides in a school bus to games... I don't hear him complaining about his treatment in the minors. It's the MINORS.
If there's any class issue here... I'd question why Cloutier is suddenly complaining to the press now that he knows he's on his way out the door.
Last edited by TonySCV; March 11th, 2008 at 02:04 PM.
To all those "concerned" about the Kings ever getting a UFA to play here with these types of "allegations" of unfair treatment...
I believe a quality UFA would be more deterred by our lack of goaltending rather than the opinion of a bitter, broken down goalie that could not stop a puck.
It does seem that the Kings take abuse quite a bit.
Rob Blake
Labs
Conroy
Avery
Cloutier
All complained about being "mis-treated." I would be concerned, but this has happened under different owns and managers. And the GM's that were part of the stories are all considered players GM's.
Lack of goaltending is the easiest cop out ever, especially when you couple that with the blinders that get thrown on when it comes time to look at the LACK OF CONSISTENT EFFECTIVE DEFENSE.
There are several reasons why UFAs dont want to waste time in LA. Im not even a player and I can point out a few of the major factors...
Cons:
Lack of winning history.
Lack of the promise of winning for at least the near future.
Inability to get the money you want.
Fanbase is like nil.
Cost of Living.
History of treating outgoing and sometimes current players in a questionable manner.
Why flounder as a King when you can Win as a Duck and get the same weather?
Pros:
Learn to surf.
How many of those other "players GMs" were attached to a team with one finals appearance in 42 seasons?
Last edited by Unruely35; March 11th, 2008 at 02:02 PM.
Say it with me: the writer's job is to sell ads in their paper. The more outlandish the story, the more media picks it up, the more interest is generated, the more people buy the paper and the more ads they sell.
Cloutier comes off sounding like a big whiner. If he didn't suck so bad as a goalie, I might actually feel sorry for him, but he does suck, hence he got what he deserved.
Play better and you'd be surprised at how great you feel!
I want to hear the other side of the story, before I consider having an opinion. I'm not surprised, that I'm almost the only one, jumping to conclusions after hearing one side of the story is the national sport #1.
Regardless of lousy play, you don't treat your employees/players like that. Everyone's saying "oh boo-hoo, poor Cloutier and his $3.1 million" but think about if it was you. Would you complain if you were in the same situation? I bet you would. It's easy to say otherwise until you're the one in that situation. You'd think I'm a Cloutier fan, standing up for him here, but no, not so much. Still, regardless of being a fan or not, it's what is and isn't the right thing to do.
I HAVE been in that situation! I have gone on many, many business trips and benn given an allowance for a hotel. Staying 30 minutes outside of Vail to save close to $150 PER night is not that much to ask...regardless of the employee or the company.
And, we are talking about a VERY nice Super *...this is not a trucker motel.
And, guess what? If I did not perform my job like the company asks, they demoted me or even fired me. Once, I was fired one month after my Son was born. I did not whine. I did not bad mouth. I went to a competitor and worked hard and did just fine.
If Cloutier is upset, ask for a trade. Quit. Go to Europe. Whatever. Just do not sit there and bad mouth a team that gave you an opportunity to play a number one spot after your other team threw you away because you could not get it done there.
He may be upset, but he has not been mistreated. His medical has been paid for. His travel has been paid for. He gets a Hotel/apartment paid for. All of this and he has done NOTHING to earn it. Good for him. I hold no grudges. It was a gamble on DL's part, but do you have to complain and rub our faces in it?
um... 
The Natural
