Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi Speaks To The Media

Jun 16, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings general manager Dean Lombardi speaks a rally to celebrate winning the 2014 Stanley Cup at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Today on a conference call with the media Los Angeles Kings General Manager found himself in unfamiliar territory.

Instead of covering a deep Kings run in the playoffs Lombardi spent the afternoon discussing the Kings failings this past season on and off the ice.

When the Kings missed the playoffs and failed at a chance to defend their Stanley Cup it seemed that it was the first time in a long time that Dean Lombardi had to be held accountable for moves he made.

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Expressing his commitment to loyalty last off-season, Lombardi was convinced that Center Mike Richards was worth keeping around even though he had fallen down the depth chart to the fourth line, citing Richards’ commitment to fitness.

Lombardi was bitten by his loyalty when Richards failed to commit to early season team workouts in LA and by Richards worst season since coming over in 2011 leading to Richards being sent to the minors for a spell.

Lombardi seemed hesitant to express if there had been a final decision on Mike Richards status with the Kings.

Per Jon Rosen of lakingsinsider.com, Lombardi was quoted saying the following about Richards:

"“No. I don’t think we’ve made a final determination on anything. There’ve been … a number of scenarios, a trade, a subsidy, a buyout, and all those would probably be reflected on how the other pieces fit.”Dean Lombardi, LA Kings GM"

Lombardi also had to discuss the Kings off-ice problems, discussing the on-going suspension and criminal trial for domestic violence against Kings Defenseman Slava Voynov.

He also addressed the post-season arrest of Kings Forward Jarrett Stoll for drug possession while partying in Las Vegas.

About the Voynov situation,Lombardi said, “this is what I said when the Voynov thing happened, I walked down to Jeff Solomon’s office and said ‘this is my fault.’ We neglected to educate our players.”

When commenting on the Jarrett Stoll situation Lombardi expressed emotion by saying:

"“It’s safe to say, in all honesty, it was probably the most difficult meeting I’ve had in my career. It was probably one of the most gut-wrenching meetings I’ve ever had in my entire career – and I’ve had meetings with lots of players.”Dean Lombardi, LA Kings GM"

Lombardi also discussed the Kings missing the playoffs for the first time since 2009, citing a need to be fitness ready.

Lombardi challenged the core of the players to step up their game next year, stating “When it was over after Edmonton and Calgary, in reality we just got what we deserved.”

He continued, “we have nobody to feel sorry for…It has been hard because we’ve been playing in June. This time, there is no excuse. It is a marvelous opportunity for our top players to go back and take over that room.”

There is no doubt that Lombardi has been a great GM for the Kings turning around a chronically mediocre franchise and turning it into one of the NHL’s premier teams.

Missing the playoffs and the off-season troubles not withstanding, Lombardi seems to be resolved to correct his mistakes and push this team back to the top of the NHL elite.

Kings fans should look forward to this summer and what Lombardi and his team can do for another Cup run in 2016.