2014-2015 Roster

[Herby]

I just don't get some of the ideas.

Sending Pearson down to hold on to Andreoff? - LW would immediately be a massive weakness again. People forget that Pearson was a huge part of balancing the lines, the Kings would greatly miss his speed, skill and tenacity.

Richards and Carter Pt. 47 - Once again, Bleach and Ammonia. Both are better at center, one is more suited for a scoring line role, one for a 3rd line role. They were terrible together last year. This situation also leaves Toffoli in limbo.

The Kings spent 4/5 of the season last year having lines with zero chemistry, some couldn't score, others couldn't keep the puck out of the net. And then they acquired Gaborik, moved Pearson and Toffoli up with Carter and suddenly the Kings had four pretty damn good lines and the team won the Stanley Cup. And now some want to try and fix something that isn't broken?

 

[Kingspiracy]

I just don't get some of the ideas.

Sending Pearson down to hold on to Andreoff? - LW would immediately be a massive weakness again. People forget that Pearson was a huge part of balancing the lines, the Kings would greatly miss his speed, skill and tenacity.

Richards and Carter Pt. 47 - Once again, Bleach and Ammonia. Both are better at center, one is more suited for a scoring line role, one for a 3rd line role. They were terrible together last year. This situation also leaves Toffoli in limbo.

The Kings spent 4/5 of the season last year having lines with zero chemistry, some couldn't score, others couldn't keep the puck out of the net. And then they acquired Gaborik, moved Pearson and Toffoli up with Carter and suddenly the Kings had four pretty damn good lines and the team won the Stanley Cup. And now some want to try and fix something that isn't broken?

I think you may be overstating things by saying it would be a massive weakness at LW again, we now have Gaborik, Brown and King that can handle a top 6 lw role, hows that a weakness? I like Pearson and obviously the lines worked great last year, i'm just saying that there aren't too many players that can be sent down without being exposed to waivers (i believe Pearson still can be) Where else is there roster flexibilty? If Andreoff has a great camp do you still send him down or do you just ditch Nolan or Clifford?

If Pearson were to get sent down it would also limit his bargaining power for his next contract, if he pots 20 on Carters wing DL probably has to pony up, if he pots 30 in manchester no one gives a ****. It may be slightly negativeway of thinking because we want the team to be as successful as possible but if we keep winning without him, there is a slightly warped logic to it, at least in my distorted perception.

 

[damacles1156]

I think you may be overstating things by saying it would be a massive weakness at LW again, we now have Gaborik, Brown and King that can handle a top 6 lw role, hows that a weakness? I like Pearson and obviously the lines worked great last year, i'm just saying that there aren't too many players that can be sent down without being exposed to waivers (i believe Pearson still can be) Where else is there roster flexibilty? If Andreoff has a great camp do you still send him down or do you just ditch Nolan or Clifford?

If Pearson were to get sent down it would also limit his bargaining power for his next contract, if he pots 20 on Carters wing DL probably has to pony up, if he pots 30 in manchester no one gives a ****. It may be slightly negativeway of thinking because we want the team to be as successful as possible but if we keep winning without him, there is a slightly warped logic to it, at least in my distorted perception.

Ughhh neither Pearson or Toffoli will pot 20G, They will struggle with the short off-season and sophomore runs.

Pearson is not even much of a goal scorer he is more of a J-Dub type player.

Pearson has Seven Goals in 50 NHL games.....Not exactly good, Toffoli has 24G in 110 NHL games.

People are getting ahead of themselves with Pearson/Toffoli, they weren't exactly lights out...Toffoli was awful for most of the Ranger series.

If Andy doesn't beat out Clifford/Nolan he will be waived(as he should be).

The Kings haven't had a 30g scorer since what ? 2010 ?

 

[Kingspiracy]

Ughhh neither Pearson or Toffoli will pot 20G, They will struggle with the short off-season and sophomore runs.

Pearson is not even much of a goal scorer he is more of a J-Dub type player.

Pearson has Seven Goals in 50 NHL games.....Not exactly good.

People are getting ahead of themselves with Pearson/Toffoli, they weren't exactly lights out...Toffoli was awful for most of the Ranger series.

Perhaps, but with the addition of gaborik in the regular season combined with Kopitar, Carter and co this team is going to light a few goalies up, especially against weaker teams. King potted 15, hes not exactly a recognised goal getter.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Ughhh neither Pearson or Toffoli will pot 20G, They will struggle with the short off-season and sophomore runs.

Pearson is not even much of a goal scorer he is more of a J-Dub type player.

Pearson has Seven Goals in 50 NHL games.....Not exactly good, Toffoli has 24G in 110 NHL games.

People are getting ahead of themselves with Pearson/Toffoli, they weren't exactly lights out...Toffoli was awful for most of the Ranger series.

Agreed on the sophomore slumps for Pearson/Toffoli but what would you put in their place? And how do they continue to grow if they don't get prime minutes?

I just don't get some of the ideas.

Sending Pearson down to hold on to Andreoff? - LW would immediately be a massive weakness again. People forget that Pearson was a huge part of balancing the lines, the Kings would greatly miss his speed, skill and tenacity.

Richards and Carter Pt. 47 - Once again, Bleach and Ammonia. Both are better at center, one is more suited for a scoring line role, one for a 3rd line role. They were terrible together last year. This situation also leaves Toffoli in limbo.

The Kings spent 4/5 of the season last year having lines with zero chemistry, some couldn't score, others couldn't keep the puck out of the net. And then they acquired Gaborik, moved Pearson and Toffoli up with Carter and suddenly the Kings had four pretty damn good lines and the team won the Stanley Cup. And now some want to try and fix something that isn't broken?

I tend to agree, why blender the lines now?

Also agree on Richards/Carter--they were in Philly together and obviously they love each other, but they didn't play together that much even back in their Flyers days. Chemistry off the ice doesn't always translate to chemistry off the ice, and Carter has proven to be immensely effective at C.

 

[damacles1156]

Agreed on the sophomore slumps for Pearson/Toffoli but what would you put in their place? And how do they continue to grow if they don't get prime minutes?



I tend to agree, why blender the lines now?

Also agree on Richards/Carter--they were in Philly together and obviously they love each other, but they didn't play together that much even back in their Flyers days. Chemistry off the ice doesn't always translate to chemistry off the ice, and Carter has proven to be immensely effective at C.

They will get their share of playing time, that doesn't mean they will produce though.

I never said they wouldn't play, it's just people need to be realistic.

Pearson/Toffoli are not going to be 45/55 point players next season.

They are not going to be 30g scorers, Toffoli may reach 20g if he gets lots of PP time.

If Pearson stays in the top six and receives PP time, I could see 12 to 15G.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Andreoff is the next Petr Kanko.

 

[damacles1156]

I think folks don't realize how hard it is to score 30G in today's NHL, let alone 20G.

 

[Trolfoli]

Gaborik/Kopitar/Carter
Pearson/Richards/Toffoli
Brown/Stoll/Williams
King/Andy(or other 4thC)/Lewis

or

Pearson/Kopitar/Gaborik
Toffoli/Richards/Carter
Brown/Stoll/Williams
King/Andy/Lewis

I just don't get some of the ideas.

Sending Pearson down to hold on to Andreoff? - LW would immediately be a massive weakness again. People forget that Pearson was a huge part of balancing the lines, the Kings would greatly miss his speed, skill and tenacity.

Richards and Carter Pt. 47 - Once again, Bleach and Ammonia. Both are better at center, one is more suited for a scoring line role, one for a 3rd line role. They were terrible together last year. This situation also leaves Toffoli in limbo.

The Kings spent 4/5 of the season last year having lines with zero chemistry, some couldn't score, others couldn't keep the puck out of the net. And then they acquired Gaborik, moved Pearson and Toffoli up with Carter and suddenly the Kings had four pretty damn good lines and the team won the Stanley Cup. And now some want to try and fix something that isn't broken?

Herby you got to keep in mind this is Sutter we're talking about. Pearson in the minors wouldn't surprise me. Just look at what Sutter pulled against the Sharks... Kings were putting up 3 goals/game after the Olympic break... get to the playoffs and bam Nolan was up with Carter/Toffoli.... I have hopes that Sutter can make an adjustment, but he may just have too much of a hard on for grinders. (see Frattin/Carcillo playing over Toffoli last year)

Also it may be time to put the Pearson/Toffoli bashing to rest as they both have rings at this point. Besides I don't get the Pearson hate... he's like a speedy Lewis that can pass the puck to his line mates....

 

[deeshamrock]

Ughhh neither Pearson or Toffoli will pot 20G, They will struggle with the short off-season and sophomore runs.

Pearson is not even much of a goal scorer he is more of a J-Dub type player.

Pearson has Seven Goals in 50 NHL games.....Not exactly good, Toffoli has 24G in 110 NHL games.

People are getting ahead of themselves with Pearson/Toffoli, they weren't exactly lights out...Toffoli was awful for most of the Ranger series.

If Andy doesn't beat out Clifford/Nolan he will be waived(as he should be).

The Kings haven't had a 30g scorer since what ? 2010 ?

If Pearson makes the team,( and I think he will but w/Sutter you never know. I thought coming off the 2013 playoffs, TT was a lock to make it and he didn't,) Pearson will not be a sophomore, he has only played 25 reg NHL games, until he plays most of 82 of a reg NHL season, it would be his Rookie season.
I thought of the 2 , he was the stronger 200 foot player in the playoffs which is why he stayed on the 2nd line when TT was shifted downward at times. I thought Pearson was faster and stronger on the boards ,tougher with the puck and very aggressive . TT had too many giveaways that went the other way and wasn't as strong on the puck, but that is normal for most young players adjusting to playing in the NHL against veteran competition.
As a rookie, Pearson's job is to adjust to the NHL, and that is more about his complete game then his points. That's why most forwards have their 'breakout' year in the 3rd season, close when they pass that 200 game mark.

Two very good young players who should be allowed to play thru their mistakes. But Sutter hasn't shown to have that kind of patience, esp with young players. And he's far too fluid in his lines for me. Other than Kopi and Gabby together, he moves the others around too much .he believes the forwards should be able to 'plug and play.' I'm old school, I like stability, and esp with young players. they need that. I really wanted TT on Kopi's wing from last training camp onward, given a full 82 to learn and grow with the best player and playmaker on the team. Let him play thru his mistakes. But Sutter sending him down, I didn't agree with and not every young player reacts to that stuff the same way.

Every time I see JVR I cringe at how badly the FLyers screwed him over. Should have gone to the AHL for a year, playing 23 min. a game in every situation PK and PP. But true to their style, they rushed him, he went right from Jrs to the NHL and despite being bounced from line to line and benched for long stretches, he put up close to 100 points in 200 games in his 3 years with the Flyers, despite having to hear (way too much, true to Flyers media ) had the Flyiers gotten luckier in the lottery, Kane would be 'here'. And being criticized by fans and the media about his game. I never got that, I liked him(and he has a GREAT attitude, a real leader in the making) from the first training camp . He never got PP time with the Flyers, never got PK time or stability, play a handful of games on one line ,get benched for a few and rearrive on another line. And still put up good numbers in his first 3 yars and that wasn't 'good' enough. HE got dumped. Well right now, he'd look damn good on the first line with Giroux and Vorecek. They never learn.

I liked what I saw in Pearson I hope Sutter doesn't screw his confidence like he did with TT last year.

 

[Telos]

Gaborik/Kopitar/Carter
Pearson/Richards/Toffoli
Brown/Stoll/Williams
King/Andy(or other 4thC)/Lewis

This would all hinge on if Richards can turn things around. Not only would he have to be very good in the playmaking department, but he really needs a complete turnaround as a defensive center. If he could get his defense together and lead the way with a couple of kids, then that first and third line is ridiculously lethal.

 

[Herby]

I just don't see any combination with Carter at RW that makes the Kings better than they would be with Carter at C, even playing on Kopitar's RW.

The Kings are blessed to have two pivots like Kopitar and Carter, not many teams can match that. Moving Carter to RW weakens the Kings immensely down the middle.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Andreoff is the next Petr Kanko.

Andreoff is the next John Gibson!

 

[KingsHockey24]

Marian Gaborik-Anze Kopitar-Dustin Brown
Tanner Pearson-Jeff Carter-Tyler Toffoli
Kyle Clifford-Mike Richards-Justin Williams
Dwight King-Jarret Stoll-Jordan Weal
*Lewis, Andreoff

Jake Muzzin-Drew Doughty
Robyn Regehr-Slava Voynov
Alec Martinez-Matt Greene
*Brayden McNabb/Andrew Bodnarchuk

Jonathan Quick
Martin Jones

 

[go4hockey]

I still don't like the Doughty-Muzzin pairing, but we really don't have any other options for Drew's partner right now.

Drew's long term partner is Muzzin they play good together and Drew likes playing with him. What does the kid have to do to get any props with King fans he is a pretty solid d/man good in both ends and plays with a bit of a mean streak. Perfect partner for Drew.

 

[go4hockey]

I just don't get some of the ideas.

Sending Pearson down to hold on to Andreoff? - LW would immediately be a massive weakness again. People forget that Pearson was a huge part of balancing the lines, the Kings would greatly miss his speed, skill and tenacity.

Richards and Carter Pt. 47 - Once again, Bleach and Ammonia. Both are better at center, one is more suited for a scoring line role, one for a 3rd line role. They were terrible together last year. This situation also leaves Toffoli in limbo.

The Kings spent 4/5 of the season last year having lines with zero chemistry, some couldn't score, others couldn't keep the puck out of the net. And then they acquired Gaborik, moved Pearson and Toffoli up with Carter and suddenly the Kings had four pretty damn good lines and the team won the Stanley Cup. And now some want to try and fix something that isn't broken?

bravo sir you hit the nail on the head.

 

[Quattro]

and what do you think Sutter is going to do starting this year?

I think Sutter is going to change line combos game by game, period by period, shift by shift, just like he always has.

Focusing on line combos, especially for this team, is a fruitless exercise.

 

[Telos]

One of the biggest upcoming challenges I see for Lombardi is going to be our free agents this year. The list is pretty brutal from here on out. Next year we have:

2015 Free Agents
[table="head;width=35em"]UFA |RFA
Justin Williams|Kyle Clifford|
Jarret Stoll|Tanner Pearson|
Adam Cracknell|Tyler Toffoli|
David Van Der Gulik|Jordan Nolan|
Robyn Regehr|Jacob Muzzin|
Alec Martinez|Martin Jones|
|Nick Shore|
|Jordan Weal|
|Nic Dowd|
|Andrew Crescenzi|
|Andy Andreoff|
|Andrew Bodnarchuk|
|Vincent LoVerde|
[/table]

Who do we keep? Who do we trade? Who do we let walk away?

I would re-sign Williams (hopefully a $1 million raise gets it done) and Stoll (around the same dollar amount), then hopefully try to give Pearson and Toffoli bridge contracts, get Muzzin on a Greene type deal, let Regehr walk, trade Clifford, re-sign Nolan and Jones, and try to keep Shore, Weal (unlikely), and Andreoff.

I think Sutter is going to change line combos game by game, period by period, shift by shift, just like he always has.

Focusing on line combos, especially for this team, is a fruitless exercise.

In all likeliness, but it is still fun to speculate on the best combinations and look at the interested ways the roster can be used.

 

[King'sPawn]

I just don't see any combination with Carter at RW that makes the Kings better than they would be with Carter at C, even playing on Kopitar's RW.

The Kings are blessed to have two pivots like Kopitar and Carter, not many teams can match that. Moving Carter to RW weakens the Kings immensely down the middle.

I agree 100%.

Barring injury, this is the Kings' depth chart...

Center:
Kopitar
Carter
Richards
Stoll

Left Wing:
Gaborik
Pearson
King
Clifford

Right Wing:
Brown
Williams
Toffoli
Lewis
Nolan

Minutes and wing position may vary, but these are the forwards most likely to be seen.

 

[Herby]

One of the biggest upcoming challenges I see for Lombardi is going to be our free agents this year. The list is pretty brutal from here on out. Next year we have:

2015 Free Agents
[table="head;width=35em"]UFA |RFA
Justin Williams|Kyle Clifford|
Jarret Stoll|Tanner Pearson|
Adam Cracknell|Tyler Toffoli|
David Van Der Gulik|Jordan Nolan|
Robyn Regehr|Jacob Muzzin|
Alec Martinez|Martin Jones|
|Nick Shore|
|Jordan Weal|
|Nic Dowd|
|Andrew Crescenzi|
|Andy Andreoff|
|Andrew Bodnarchuk|
|Vincent LoVerde|
[/table]

Who do we keep? Who do we trade? Who do we let walk away?

I would re-sign Williams (hopefully a $1 million raise gets it done) and Stoll (around the same dollar amount), then hopefully try to give Pearson and Toffoli bridge contracts, get Muzzin on a Greene type deal, let Regehr walk, trade Clifford, re-sign Nolan and Jones, and try to keep Shore, Weal (unlikely), and Andreoff.



In all likeliness, but it is still fun to speculate on the best combinations and look at the interested ways the roster can be used.

You also have to factor in having enough money to comfortably re-sign Kopitar and improve the roster if need be.

I believe some guys are playing for jobs, I think unless Stoll wants to sign a one year deal the Kings are only going to keep one of Stoll or Richards beyond this season. Shore is going to be ready for one of those spots sooner than later and I don't see the Kings committing all that money and years to four centers. If Richards can get back to a level somewhere close to where he was a couple of years ago I think Stoll likely pulls a Mitchell and heads to a team that can offer him more money and years than the Kings, if Richards plays like he did this past season the Kings either dump the contract via trade or buyout and likely offer Stoll a similar contract to what he has now.

Williams will get 5+ at this point. Martinez is going to get paid too because he is an UFA. Muzzin, Toffoli and Pearson it totally depends on how they play. I expect Muzzin to be the most sure thing of the three this season, but if either Toffoli or Pearson have big seasons playing with 77 they could cash in as well, an example would be Toffoli scoring 25-30 goals is not taking a bridge contract.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I like a lot of what I see roster wise but I agree with Telos that this upcoming offseason will likely see the most dismantling of the 2012 era team we've seen thus far regardless of what DL does.

I'm certainly excited to see, despite our best laid plans, which prospect makes noise at camp and forces a decision either way. Most of our plotting has been about known commodities; what if Weal, Forbort, etc. come in and make some noise? THat's our real wild-card scenario.

 

[kings11]

odds are Stoll and RR walk and we use those 7mill on said players also expect the cap to rise about 2 mill so we will be ok.....
Shore, Weal, Andreoff are pretty copse to competing for a roster spot, also nolan imo is gone as well....

 

[bmr]

I think you may be overstating things by saying it would be a massive weakness at LW again, we now have Gaborik, Brown and King that can handle a top 6 lw role, hows that a weakness? I like Pearson and obviously the lines worked great last year, i'm just saying that there aren't too many players that can be sent down without being exposed to waivers (i believe Pearson still can be) Where else is there roster flexibilty? If Andreoff has a great camp do you still send him down or do you just ditch Nolan or Clifford?

If Pearson were to get sent down it would also limit his bargaining power for his next contract, if he pots 20 on Carters wing DL probably has to pony up, if he pots 30 in manchester no one gives a ****. It may be slightly negativeway of thinking because we want the team to be as successful as possible but if we keep winning without him, there is a slightly warped logic to it, at least in my distorted perception.

Just keep Andreoff as an extra guy and work on a trade then. I think you can do some damage to your team when you send down guys just for political reasons. Pearson absolutely deserves to stay with the team. He has a great work ethic and I don't think he's going to fall into one of those sophomore slump seasons.

 

[deeshamrock]

odds are Stoll and RR walk and we use those 7mill on said players also expect the cap to rise about 2 mill so we will be ok.....
Shore, Weal, Andreoff are pretty copse to competing for a roster spot, also nolan imo is gone as well....

The CAP will go up alot more that.

The Kings are at 52M with 12 players signed going into 15/16. They will be in fairly good shape.
Per Chris Botto (NHL) based on next years revenues, expected to be 4Billion or so, the CAP will increase 8 to 10% for 15/16.
That would put the CAP at between 74.5 M to 75.9M, giving the KINGS at a minimum, an additional 22..2M to 23.6 (10%)

I think given the talent in Manchester, I don't expect Nolan or Clifford to be renewed.

I love AMart, but once Sutter actually played him on a reg. basis and stopped benching him, he was terrific, and his game got stronger the more he played, esp in the playoffs. He's shown he's not a 3D pairing anymore and since Doughty and Voynov are currenlty slotted ahead of him and the King's management is high on Slava, A Mart might not sign becaues he wants a bigger role, more minutes and I can't blame him. If he continues to improve, there are teams out there that need a good D on their 2nd pairing and will pay.

 

[ADifferentTim]

I much rather see Coach Sutter run a 5th red line, while keeping Carter and Richards as C's in their respective lines.

I was watching some 2010 SCF clips; by doing so, it made me realize the effectiveness of Richards and Carter in the same line reduced. I will not find it hard to believe if this was the hole the Blackhawks exploited in both 2010 SCF and 2013 WCF.

As for Tyler and Tanner, the team needs to inject more youth to balance and complement the veterans. It paid off and brought out Carter's effectiveness at a maximum as a C.

Specifically about Jarret, I say, keep him for two more years. I've seen his PK unit with Matt Greene and its effectiveness.