They Don’t See the Point of Kings’ No-Luc Pass

As a King fan who has been attending games since the expansion season, I’ll wait to assess the non-signing of Luc Robitaille. It will either go down as a prudent move toward a new era, or an unbelievable PR blunder.

If, by not signing Robitaille, the Kings are trying to save some money for a run at Jaromir Jagr, Adam Oates or even Eric Lindros, it may be justified.

However, if an owner with the financial resources of Philip Anschutz won’t pony up to keep one of the Kings’ best scorers and grittiest players, not to mention a fan favorite, none of Tim Leiweke’s best company lines will bail out the front office.

Last season, the Kings’ playoff run turned Southern California into a passionate “hockey town.” If Anschutz and Co. want to keep that momentum going, the worst thing they could do would be to start acting like those other guys who own the Ducks.

John Fraser

Camarillo

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There go Philip Anschutz and Tim Leiweke again, stripping away what is left of the Kings’ heart by low-balling Luc Robitaille to save a few bucks. This owner is not interested in actually winning, just making a profit. Too bad for King fans who pay the money to see and support their club.

Perhaps they dumped Rob Blake and Robitaille so they could get the revenue from King fans having to replace the names and numbers on their jerseys. They would be well advised not to become attached to any King player, and to affix the new names and numbers with Velcro.

Robert Fary

Lake Forest

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Congratulations, Kings! I knew you would continue the tradition. From Marcel Dionne to Bernie Nicholls and Wayne Gretzky, and on to Rob Blake and now Luc Robitaille, you have managed to discard any of the few truly identifiable stars and fan favorites that have created any community bond.

I can’t help but notice that Dave Taylor is the last King whose jersey was retired, and perhaps he is trying to keep it that way.

On behalf of all King fans who felt the twinge of hopefulness after last season’s run, thank you for bringing us back to our senses. Never again will I rationalize spending $40 for the cheap seats of a playoff game by thinking the Kings will use the money to get better.

Paul Habib

San Gabriel

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I think that it is absolutely criminal that the Kings allowed Robitaille to slip from their team for the second time in his career. It was not a coincidence that the team went downhill after they traded him in their early ‘90s fire sale, and it was certainly not coincidental that they rebounded and made the playoffs after they reacquired him.

Just when we thought that these Kings were exorcising their demons of poor trades and personnel moves over the last decade, they pull this. I guess it shouldn’t come as a surprise from a team that has been past the second round of the playoffs only once in its 35-year existence.

Rami Hernandez

Los Angeles

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OK, now I get it. Dave Taylor is attending the same team roster seminars as Dodger brass. Pedro Martinez, Mike Piazza, Rob Blake and now Luc Robitaille--all future Hall of Famers let go with virtually nothing in return. Luc put it best when he said he wants to play for a Stanley Cup contender next season. That doesn’t describe us!

Larry Ackerman

Los Angeles

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I only hope that NHL executive-of-the-year Dave Taylor has a real surprise for King fans for the coming season. If not, the burning issue for King fans will be whether to root on Rob Blake or Luc Robitaille when the Avalanche meets the Red Wings in the Western Conference finals.

Adam Moos

Los Angeles

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Another King tease. After a great playoff run, they move closer to the Ducks than the Avalanche. Go get the Cup, Luc, and bring it to L.A. for a day. It’s the closest any King fans will ever get to it. Oh, Mr. Anschutz, King tickets no longer fit in my budget.

Scott Maiman

Agoura Hills

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A couple of months ago, when we L.A. hockey fans were young and naive, we thought the Kings’ ownership wanted the silver Stanley Cup. Now we know that all they really want is the goose that lays the golden egg. With the Kings, it’s only about money!

Irv Lippel

Agoura Hills

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When did Donald Sterling buy the Kings?

Michael Amerian

Toluca Lake