Robinson Is Already Impatient with Boucher’s Camp Absence

King defenseman Philippe Boucher has missed two days of King training camp because of a contract impasse and two days are too many for new Coach Larry Robinson.

“There’s lots of importance on him not being here,” Robinson said Tuesday. “He’s missing valuable time. You can’t expect to miss time when the next month is the start of the season. It’s very important he be here.”

General Manager Sam McMaster said he and Boucher were getting closer to an agreement.

Boucher, 22, did not get much chance to show his abilities last season after the Kings acquired him from Buffalo in the controversial Alexei Zhitnik trade. A restricted free agent who played out his option last season, Boucher appeared in only six games with the Kings and scored one goal before suffering an injury.

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Ready for another King jersey?

NHL Enterprises announced that several teams will be using a third jersey for certain games after the 1996 All-Star game in January.

The newest King jersey is white and black with elements of purple and gold. On it is an emblem of a medieval king clad in purple.