Robitaille Tells Fans: ‘We Will Be in Playoffs’

Following team President Tim Leiweke’s lead, King left wing Luc Robitaille tried to garner support for a King playoff run.

Robitaille, speaking Saturday at the Kings’ annual “state of the franchise� meeting with season-ticket holders, predicted the Kings would be successful in their late-season pursuit of a playoff spot.

“We will be in the playoffs,� Robitaille said to a crowd of about 700 fans. “I promise you that.�

Leiweke, who guaranteed postseason play for the Kings earlier in the season, also spoke at the open-forum session with season-ticket holders who were mostly appreciative of the Kings’ efforts this season.

There was, however, little noticeable reaction when King Coach Andy Murray announced that injured forwards Jason Allison and Adam Deadmarsh would not play this season.

Allison, out since January 2003 because of whiplash, and Deadmarsh, out since December 2002 because of lingering symptoms from a concussion, have not been able to string together enough healthy days to skate and get back into shape.

“I talked with both players this morning,� Murray said. “They’re not close to being able to play. We just hope they’re able to resume their careers next fall.�

Despite such somber talk, General Manager Dave Taylor said the Kings have not ruled out signing Allison and Deadmarsh for next season. Both players become restricted free agents on July 1. Allison made $8 million, Deadmarsh $3 million this season.

“If they return to health, would we be interested in signing them? Absolutely,� Taylor said. “We won’t be able to make any decisions until after we evaluate their health before July.�

Taylor said the Kings were hoping to sign unrestricted free agents Ziggy Palffy and Robitaille. Palffy, who made $7 million this season, suffered a season-ending dislocated shoulder Jan. 7. Robitaille, 38, had a team-high 48 points before Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.

“There’s no question we’d like to keep Ziggy,� Taylor said. “We’ve already had discussions with his agent. He’s a free agent on July 1 and we’d like to get something done before then.

“We would like to retain Luc. His experience has helped our young players. This is Luc’s home. This is where Luc Robitaille belongs.�

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Defenseman Joe Corvo was benched Saturday in favor of rookie Tim Gleason for a second consecutive game.... Detroit defenseman Derian Hatcher sat out because of an injured left shoulder.