2017 Offseason Thread 4.0 - Free Agent Frenzy Time

[Sol]

Yep. I can't tell if he's just being a wimp, or if he's overthinking the game and trying to be a playmaker.

Kopitar is at his best when he's trying to generate scoring chances for himself which leads to defensive breakdowns that teammates can capitalize on. Contrary to what many believe he's not really a playmaker in a traditional sense.

I agree with everything you said, but one thing, Kopitar can actually be a traditional playmaker if the way the Kings played would support a creative game style. Kopitar is a very good passer.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Kopitar has everything needed to be a dominant offensive player. He needs to assert himself.

 

[Rusty Batch]

Kopitar has everything needed to be a dominant offensive player. He needs to assert himself.

Everything except wingers

 

[theMajor]

Yep. I can't tell if he's just being a wimp, or if he's overthinking the game and trying to be a playmaker.

Kopitar is at his best when he's trying to generate scoring chances for himself which leads to defensive breakdowns that teammates can capitalize on. Contrary to what many believe he's not really a playmaker in a traditional sense.

he can be, he's got the size and ability to control/distribute the puck, he just hasn't been doing it. he's always been a pass-first kinda guy

 

[Reclamation Project]

That's a cop out. His wingers talent level doesn't stop him from driving to the net. In fact, it's the complete opposite. Having less talented wingers should be even more incentive to assert yourself. No excuses for Kopitar's tentative play.

 

[jfont]

That's a cop out. His wingers talent level doesn't stop him from driving to the net. In fact, it's the complete opposite. Having less talented wingers should be even more incentive to assert yourself. No excuses for Kopitar's tentative play.

Agree 100%
Good players get their points no matter who the wingers

 

[Rusty Batch]

Its pretty simple... Kopitar had garbage on his wings last year and that dramatically reduced his point totals. People love to hate on the dude here and pretend that who he plays with Should have no impact on his production. That's an ignorant position to take. And yes he generally has mediocre wing talent, but last year was particularly horrific. Not surprised at all that he was only our second highest scorer last year with the garbage he played with.

 

[HookKing]

I wonder if Kopitar will learn to do something different when he has the puck. His go to move the past couple of seasons is to take the puck deep, skate around the opposing net, take a big loop to the top of the circle, then pass it off to a teammate in a far worse shooting position.

But just ponder all that possession time.

 

[Reclamation Project]

King also scored 15 goals as Kopitar's winger a few years ago. No excuses, it's Kopitar. When was the last time he did something like this?

 

[Kingsfan1]

King also scored 15 goals as Kopitar's winger a few years ago. No excuses, it's Kopitar. When was the last time he did something like this?

Cammy-Kopitar-Brown

Lol this is your first line this year boys

 

[Maynard]

King also scored 15 goals as Kopitar's winger a few years ago. No excuses, it's Kopitar. When was the last time he did something like this?

I think he just did it the one time.

 

[Rusty Batch]

King also scored 15 goals as Kopitar's winger a few years ago. No excuses, it's Kopitar. When was the last time he did something like this?

Probably hasnt done that since before He carried us to 2 cups and won a Selke (should have had more than just one). Probably hasnt done that since he led the team in scoring for 9 straight years...

 

[Reclamation Project]

He didn't carry anyone to a Cup, let alone 2. Every player was pulling their weight. Just because he led the team in scoring doesn't mean he can't be better? He needs to attack the net.

 

[Rusty Batch]

He didn't carry anyone to a Cup, let alone 2. Every player was pulling their weight.

I think he led in scoring both times and matched up against the opposing teams top lines. But yeah its hockey, takes a team.

 

[Rusty Batch]

But always glad to have guys like you around to complain non-stop about his lack of production when hes the second leading scorer on our team for the first time in 10 years. And his linemates are players that probably should not even be in the NHL.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Rusty Batch = Matjaz Kopitar RP5

I'm well aware of the numbers. I've never said he isn't a tremendous player. I'm so critical because he has EVERY tool necessary to be a dominant defensive and offensive player in the NHL yet he doesn't attack the net. He's too tentative in the offensive zone.

 

[Rusty Batch]

Rusty Batch = Matjaz Kopitar RP5

I'm well aware of the numbers. I've never said he isn't a tremendous player. I'm so critical because he has EVERY tool necessary to be a dominant defensive and offensive player in the NHL yet he doesn't attack the net. He's too tentative in the offensive zone.

Every tool except for linemates...

 

[Kingsfan1]

I think he led in scoring both times and matched up against the opposing teams top lines. But yeah its hockey, takes a team.

Yeah he led both times but was tied with Brown with 20 points in first win and Carter and Williams each had 25 points in 2nd cup win

 

[Rusty Batch]

Yeah he led both times but was tied with Brown with 20 points in first win and Carter and Williams each had 25 points in 2nd cup win

Sounds good to me!

 

[Winger23]

But always glad to have guys like you around to complain non-stop about his lack of produzction when hes the second leading scorer on our team for the first time in 10 years. And his linemates are players that probably should not even be in the NHL.

He's also making by far the most money of any of the forwards, your damn right he should be leading his team in points.

He like the rest of the team crapped the bed last year. There's no need to defend his play, he'd be the first one to tell you he sucked.

 

[Kingsfan1]

So why haven't any of the other free agents signed yet ?

 

[Sacha Baron Corbin]

But always glad to have guys like you around to complain non-stop about his lack of production when hes the second leading scorer on our team for the first time in 10 years. And his linemates are players that probably should not even be in the NHL.

The problem is he played hardball with the Kings and got his big contract then proceeds to have by far the worst year of his career while he's getting a 14 million$$ payday. Fans have a reason to be frustrated with him, and this is coming from someone who expects him to have a good bounce back season

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

So why haven't any of the other free agents signed yet ?

They're all waiting for Dwight King to make a decision.

 

[Rusty Batch]

He got what the market dictated. Im more worried about what we are doing with the 7.5 mil in cap space then I am about Kopis contract. When we have spent all our money and cant spend anymore. Then ill be frustrated with gabby and brown. But right now im not worried about what any of them are getting paid while we are still 7.5 under the cap.

 

[BigKing]

Everyone pretty much loves Kopitar; however, his play last year deserves criticism. It deserves it under his old contract but it really gets scrutinized when you are making the most actual dollars in the league last season.

Highest paid player in the league. 12 goals and 52 points? Unacceptable. Pretty sure he got some decent PP time where he wasn't saddled with **** wingers either.

He crapped the bed last season. He's the best forward on the team and was paid like the best player in the entire league last season. He wasn't the former and was insanely not close to the latter.

Still love the guy. He was far too timid last season. All criticism of his game from last season is warranted.

I agree that I'm more worried about the remaining cap than Kopitar's: isn't a damn thing they can do about Kopitar's contract now as long as he is on the team.