According to reports being released today, Dan Cloutier is trying to find a doctor that will deem him unfit to play. Bottom line, if he can find a doctor that will say this, the Kings won't be able to buy him out. It must also be known that he's already had two doctors tell him that he's cleared to play.

What does this mean?

1) He won't become an unrestricted free agent for the 08-09 season.
2) The Kings will have to pay him $3 million for next season instead of the buyout rate of $1.03 million per year for the next two years.
3) Cloutier will not play in a Kings jersey but will remain on the long-term injured list.

This just makes me wonder, why would you want to still be a part of an organization whose name you've dragged through the proverbial mud? Is the money really that important to you? More so than your dignity? He said during the year that he wanted to see what it would be like playing for another club, but it seems that he's going back on his statement for some unknown reason. Hearing this news pains me, it really does. One party is trying to cut the cord, but the other side is holding on for dear life (it seems). Ottawa has successfully let go of Ray Emery. Look at how easy that was! Waivers, buyout, happy. For the Kings it's more like "waivers, buyout, ... wait..."

But there's good news for Clouts, I hear there's a new Russian league looking for players and they're willing to pay big bucks. If they're willing to let Chris Simon play over there, imagine the possibilities for you!

x-posted to HLOG