2017 Offseason Thread 4.0 - Free Agent Frenzy Time

[YP44]

Perhaps a fan's projected but I don't think the Kings coaching staff will do that, it makes them a 1 line team. If you're the coach of the opposing team, it makes your job a lot easier. Toffoli is skilled RW that Kopitar needs on that first line. It makes him better, the line better and the team better. THen you have 2 lines that can challenge for zone time and score and makes the Kings more of a threat. Because they played together in the distant past, doesn't mean a reunion now.

Plus Brown was at his best with Carter. I like Pearson - Carter - Brown to start the year

 

[Herby]

MacDernid would get claimed. Not a lot of guys like him left. Mersch is a tweener, Auger doesnt seem to be anything more than an AHL'er.

There is a reason for that.

But I do agree he is the most likely to get claimed, but doubt he would be.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

A year ago Mersch was the next coming. Now it's Brodzinski, we'll see.

I'm with you here, Mersch has been significantly overhyped for some time. I do think he's a unique player in the mold of Holmstrom et. al. so there may be a niche for him, but he might need to be on a faster team with more setup guys to be a kind of offensive-version Dwight King, a guy that can take a bottom-six shift and contribute on the PP instead of PK.

Brodz has a significantly different skillset. I have doubts about him too, but they aren't about whether he'll make the NHL--he's a bottom sixer at worst imo. Not a real weakness to his game except maybe board battling. Kind of a Kris Versteeg lite.

 

[kings11]

just a thought but what do you guys think it would cost to get Phil Kessel?? How do you guys think he will age over the next 5 seasons and would he fit this team??? He and Carter could be a very speedy tandem...

 

[SettlementRichie10]

By all accounts, Kessel is a locker room distraction at best, cancer at worst. It took a very unique situation in Pittsburgh, and a very good player relations coach in Tocchet, for him to succeed.

Pass.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Wasn't the same said about Carter before the Kings acquired him?

 

[johnjm22]

A lot of stuff you in hear in the media about players is BS. Both good and bad. The general public's perception of public figures is often false.

Kessel has spent his career playing in high pressure markets Boston, Toronto and Pittsburgh. I think he'd benefit from playing in a market with less media attention.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Not interested in Kessel. Kings don't have the assets to acquire him and they don't have the $$$ to keep him.

 

[Martyros]

Wasn't the same said about Carter before the Kings acquired him?

I've always viewed him as a brat. I don't think he's worked well with any head coach.

 

[Reclamation Project]

All he does is win. Look at his accolades, Carter is a winner.

 

[Sol]

I don't want Kessel anywhere near this team.

 

[KINGS17]

I've always viewed him as a brat. I don't think he's worked well with any head coach.

Carter is one of the few Kings who went to work after the 2012 cup win and came back strong the following season.

I think he has been a leader from that point on every step of the way. He may not have agreed with Sutter in every way, but it appeared to me Carter did everything Sutter asked of him.

 

[deeshamrock]

Wasn't the same said about Carter before the Kings acquired him?

Carter as Flyer was perceived as lazy, because he took shifts/games off. (He was not as mature as he has been as a King, trade was a shock to him, woke him up) Also, as he never spoke to or had anything to do with media, they didn't like him much, but that also had to do with a few dinosaurs who should have retired, not a fan of the flyers media, esp then..
But he was never a cancer or guy who cracked the room. By his teammates, he was respcted, that is what counts. Philly media abused their privileges , esp when it came to a certain horrid rumor they repeated about him. Turned out to be made up, but the damage was done and is still out there . After that (2009i/2010 ish) I didn't blame him for ignoring them. He had every right.

 

[deeshamrock]

Not interested in Kessel. Kings don't have the assets to acquire him and they don't have the $$$ to keep him.

This. And agree on the Tocchet point. I think the local reporters noted that there are/were some issues with him and Malkin and Sullivan , Tocchet was the buffer. COuld be Recchi was brought on board for that reason.

 

[Martyros]

Carter is one of the few Kings who went to work after the 2012 cup win and came back strong the following season.

I think he has been a leader from that point on every step of the way. He may not have agreed with Sutter in every way, but it appeared to me Carter did everything Sutter asked of him.

I was referring to Kessel. Tocchet was the only coach that got through to him from some reports.

 

[raswilliam]

 

[The Tikkanen]

Once Kessel loses that half step it will be over. He's so talented he doesn't have to pay attention to diet and exercise but that changes quickly in professional sports. If the Kings are to make a trade it needs to be for a player that has just started the peak of his career rather than one coming towards the end. Of course few NHL teams are willing to part with one and the Kings don't have much by way of prospects and have A LOT of roster players coming off down years.

 

[mpp9]

Would Martinez be available? What would you guys be looking for in return?

 

[Martyros]

Would Martinez be available? What would you guys be looking for in return?

personally, i'm more open to trading a younger Muzzin as opposed to Martinez (as he'll bring in a better return). but we're looking for a top 6 winger that can provide much needed scoring, preferably on the younger side.

 

[kingsboy11]

Would Martinez be available? What would you guys be looking for in return?

I don't think we'll be moving them at point because we don't know have anyone to replace either Martinez or Muzzin. But if we do it'll be for a top 6 forward.

 

[Stimpythecat]

I don't seen Muzzin or Martinez being traded - at least not this year. As others pointed out, it would plug one hole and create another.

Plus, Muzzin is close friends with Doughty. I don't want to see him traded if that means reducing the reasons for why Doughty would stay.

Thornton was willing to take less if Marleau would stay. Hedman was a factor in Stamkos staying in tampa. Parise is close with Suter so they took matching contracts. Having close friends on a team and a comfort zone can be factors in a signing. Or with Doughty, a re-signing.

 

[mpp9]

personally, i'm more open to trading a younger Muzzin as opposed to Martinez (as he'll bring in a better return). but we're looking for a top 6 winger that can provide much needed scoring, preferably on the younger side.

Pens are deep on RW. Any interest in Sheary? Seems like he may get dangled to address a need. Sprong is gonna be pushing for a spot and we already have Kessel, Hornqvist, Rust, Archibald and Reaves as natural RWs.

 

[kingsfan28]

Phil looks like me going to the gym after a night of drinking, minimum effort and about to fall off the bike.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

The funny thing about that gif is that Kessel could out skate everyone else hustling on their stationary bikes.

 

[johnjm22]

There's been a lot of good hockey players that weren't known for their great fitness.

Pronger couldn't even run a mile in under 12 minutes.