2017 Offseason Thread: Changes Incoming 2.0

[deeshamrock]

Jake Muzzin for Jonathan Drouin.

Kopitar gets his winger and the Lightning get their top 4 defenseman. Yzerman is already very familiar with Muzzin.

MUzzin won't get Drouin....and if he's being traded (and I think McKenzie's right there) they'll be quite few teams interested, that can offer a better package. A younger top D. And even if the Kings put together a good package, where is the $$$$ coming from to sign him? He's gonna get close to 7M and with TT and TP getting something in the neighborhood of 10-11 between them, bodies would have to move out. But maybe Luc and Blake have a plan to shed Gabby's contract somehow. I think AMart will get moved first, but if the deal presents itself, for a fair trade, Muzzin could go. one of the will.

 

[AlphaBravo]

MUzzin won't get Drouin....and if he's being traded (and I think McKenzie's right there) they'll be quite few teams interested, that can offer a better package. A younger top D. And even if the Kings put together a good package, where is the $$$$ coming from to sign him? He's gonna get close to 7M and with TT and TP getting something in the neighborhood of 10-11 between them, bodies would have to move out. But maybe Luc and Blake have a plan to shed Gabby's contract somehow. I think AMart will get moved first, but if the deal presents itself, for a fair trade, Muzzin could go. one of the will.

We can easily sign him. Losing Muzzin opens up $4 million. Trade or lose Lewis to Vegas, that's another $2 million. That's $6 million in cap space. We can also try to unload Clifford, which opens another $1.6 million. Moves can be made to sign Drouin.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

MUzzin won't get Drouin....and if he's being traded (and I think McKenzie's right there) they'll be quite few teams interested, that can offer a better package. A younger top D. And even if the Kings put together a good package, where is the $$$$ coming from to sign him? He's gonna get close to 7M and with TT and TP getting something in the neighborhood of 10-11 between them, bodies would have to move out. But maybe Luc and Blake have a plan to shed Gabby's contract somehow. I think AMart will get moved first, but if the deal presents itself, for a fair trade, Muzzin could go. one of the will.

Exactly. The second Drouin becomes available the Ducks offer Theodore and they already have a better centerpiece than the Kings.

 

[Vamos Rafa]

#11.

Hey, maybe we'll get another Kopitar!

 

[funky]

At least we know where we pick and what it will be worth trade wise if they plan on going that way. Would absolutely love another Kopitar but I just want the best player available. Don't care wether it is a skilled forward or defenseman. To early to gamble on a goalie but we have our second and third picks.

Next step expansion draft.

 

[deeshamrock]

We can easily sign him. Losing Muzzin opens up $4 million. Trade or lose Lewis to Vegas, that's another $2 million. That's $6 million in cap space. We can also try to unload Clifford, which opens another $1.6 million. Moves can be made to sign Drouin.

and that's 3 holes that are created, and have to be filled. And it still doesn't change the fact that other teams have better bait.

 

[kingsfan28]

I'm all but certain that him and Berstein and maybe a few others are doing another round table discussion. I don't know if anybody remembers this, but I actually really enjoyed these. The guys that made these videos were hinting at a possible return this week.

You would be correct sir.



The Men in Black Round Table.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Had some exit interviews pop up on my YouTube home page. I can't even listen to this ****. Such generic garbage. We, we, we, we, we... I want to hear more I, I, I, I, I with these player.

 

[damacles1156]

and that's 3 holes that are created, and have to be filled. And it still doesn't change the fact that other teams have better bait.

Everyone just assumes you can lose a guy like Muzzin/Lewis and just plug and play anyone.

Look at how we have replaced Mitchell/Stoll.... O wait the Kings still haven't replaced those guys.

Still looking for a rock solid Number 3 Defender Like Mitchell, also still trying to replace Jarret Freaking Stoll, the Kings gusty third line Center.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Everyone just assumes you can lose a guy like Muzzin/Lewis and just plug and play anyone.

Look at how we have replaced Mitchell/Stoll.... O wait the Kings still haven't replaced those guys.

Still looking for a rock solid Number 3 Defender Like Mitchell, also still trying to replace Jarret Freaking Stoll, the Kings gusty third line Center.

I look at the Penguins blueline and wonder how Maatta, Schultz, Daley, Hainsey, Cole and Dumoulin manage to get things done.

Offensively, that blueline has provided one single goal, but they've racked up assists and quickly get pucks out of their end of the ice.

It looks ugly on paper with Letang out, but as a unit, they're efficient. That group doesn't have a Mitchell on the blueline. They also didn't have much playoff experience on the blueline prior to last season, but look at how they've done defensively.

They performed better against the Sharks than the Kings did, and look at what they're doing to the Caps. And this is with Marc-Andre Fleury backstopping them.

This is a team that is seeing elevated performances from a number of unexpected players, in addition to their top players performing up to their standards. That's why the Kings were successful in 2012 and 2014.

That said, this team is definitely missing the grit that Stoll brought with him. Richards as well. This team is so much softer down the middle. That's an area that needs to be addressed. Kopitar needs to focus on production and have a third line center do more of the grind work.

 

[damacles1156]

I look at the Penguins blueline and wonder how Maatta, Schultz, Daley, Hainsey, Cole and Dumoulin manage to get things done.

Offensively, that blueline has provided one single goal, but they've racked up assists and quickly get pucks out of their end of the ice.

It looks ugly on paper with Letang out, but as a unit, they're efficient. That group doesn't have a Mitchell on the blueline. They also didn't have much playoff experience on the blueline prior to last season, but look at how they've done defensively.

They performed better against the Sharks than the Kings did, and look at what they're doing to the Caps. And this is with Marc-Andre Fleury backstopping them.

This is a team that is seeing elevated performances from a number of unexpected players, in addition to their top players performing up to their standards. That's why the Kings were successful in 2012 and 2014.

That said, this team is definitely missing the grit that Stoll brought with him. Richards as well. This team is so much softer down the middle. That's an area that needs to be addressed. Kopitar needs to focus on production and have a third line center do more of the grind work.

Technically, still haven't replaced Slava either.

The point is, (you can't throw just anybody) into a vets spot, and they perform.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

That's why I brought the Penguins up as an example. Technically, they never replaced Niskanen or Orpik, but they found some cheaper, alternate options. No flashy names in that group, other than the sudden emergence of Justin Schultz, and Olli Maatta has finally managed to stay healthy.

Could the Kings do what the Pens have done without Doughty? I would think not. But that is who Letang is to them, and their play without him has impressed me the most about that team. No Letang, no Murray, and they keep on winning. Goes to show you how great of a coaching staff they must have.

 

[damacles1156]

That's why I brought the Penguins up as an example. Technically, they never replaced Niskanen or Orpik, but they found some cheaper, alternate options. No flashy names in that group, other than the sudden emergence of Justin Schultz, and Olli Maatta has finally managed to stay healthy.

Could the Kings do what the Pens have done without Doughty? I would think not. But that is who Letang is to them, and their play without him has impressed me the most about that team. No Letang, no Murray, and they keep on winning. Goes to show you how great of a coaching staff they must have.

You are talking like Pitt's defense is full of underrated nobodies.

Matta is a first round pick, Very good Defender, with good skills, that is breaking out.

Schultz was always a skilled defender on a bad team, put into a position to fail, Pitt fixed that.

They have good vets in Cole/Dailey/Hainsey, all good vets, that play decent.

Dumoulin is not some 3-7th round pick that panned out, the guy is a 2nd round pick, that Carolina gave up to get Staal.


There is a reason that Pitts Defense is good without Letang.... It has nothing to do with just slapping guys in, and it working out (Because).

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

You are talking like Pitt's defense is full of underrated nobodies.

Matta is a first round pick, Very good Defender, with good pedigree that is breaking out.

Schultz was always a skilled defender on a bad team, put into a position to fail, Pitt fixed that.

They have good vets in Cole/Dailey/Hainsey are all good vets, that play decent.

Dumoulin is not some 4-7th round pick that panned out, the guy is a 2nd round pick, that Carolina gave up to get Staal.

Also they play a completely different style. They don't rely on their defense as much as the Kings do. Yes, I know their defensive numbers look good but their offense puts so much pressure on opposing teams.

 

[deeshamrock]

I look at the Penguins blueline and wonder how Maatta, Schultz, Daley, Hainsey, Cole and Dumoulin manage to get things done.

Offensively, that blueline has provided one single goal, but they've racked up assists and quickly get pucks out of their end of the ice.

It looks ugly on paper with Letang out, but as a unit, they're efficient. That group doesn't have a Mitchell on the blueline. They also didn't have much playoff experience on the blueline prior to last season, but look at how they've done defensively.

They performed better against the Sharks than the Kings did, and look at what they're doing to the Caps. And this is with Marc-Andre Fleury backstopping them.

This is a team that is seeing elevated performances from a number of unexpected players, in addition to their top players performing up to their standards. That's why the Kings were successful in 2012 and 2014.

That said, this team is definitely missing the grit that Stoll brought with him. Richards as well. This team is so much softer down the middle. That's an area that needs to be addressed. Kopitar needs to focus on production and have a third line center do more of the grind work.

The Washington POst described what the Pens are doing in that regard as being 'ruthlessly efficient' as a unit. And I thought that as an apt description. It's the entire 5 man unit on the ice and how fast they transition the puck and attack as soon as they cross the blue line.
The energy Sullivan brought with his philosophy and system last Jan (and that includes the coaching staff and their work) is a large part of that.
Another big part, Sid. He's not only giving it on offense but he's busting a gut backchecking and defending. You're on the bench and watching him do that, and you can't slouch on your shift.

Also, and this is the most important factor in a playoff run, Fleury was
18-10-7 and posted a 3.02 goals against average during the regular season, is so hot right now, stopping 98 of the last 102 shots he's faced. And the longer that goes on, with each passing period, the heavier the skates and sticks of the Caps become.

 

[damacles1156]

Also they play a completely different style. They don't rely on their defense as much as the Kings do. Yes, I know their defensive numbers look good but their offense puts so much pressure on opposing teams.

Crosby alone, tilts the ice a crazy amount.

 

[damacles1156]

I like Kopitar, I really do.

But he is not Crosby, in tilting the ice offensively.

 

[damacles1156]

The Washington POst described what the Pens are doing in that regard as being 'ruthlessly efficient' as a unit. And I thought that as an apt description. It's the entire 5 man unit on the ice and how fast they transition the puck and attack as soon as they cross the blue line.
The energy Sullivan brought with his philosophy and system last Jan (and that includes the coaching staff and their work) is a large part of that.
Another big part, Sid. He's not only giving it on offense but he's busting a gut backchecking and defending. You're on the bench and watching him do that, and you can't slouch on your shift.

Also, and this is the most important factor in a playoff run, Fleury was
18-10-7 and posted a 3.02 goals against average during the regular season, is so hot right now, stopping 98 of the last 102 shots he's faced. And the longer that goes on, with each passing period, the heavier the skates and sticks of the Caps become.

That too, Fleury is playing out of his mind.

 

[damacles1156]

Nashville has a defense that reminds me of the 2012-14 Kings.

But again, they are all very good skilled guys, picked relative high in the draft., Roman Josi/PK Subban leading the charge.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Also they play a completely different style. They don't rely on their defense as much as the Kings do. Yes, I know their defensive numbers look good but their offense puts so much pressure on opposing teams.

I remember in last year's playoffs the Pens system was just to use their great-skating defensemen to beat people to the puck and just fling it out to an area to create a footrace. They're asking much less of their defensemen than other teams, and yes, it's a great coaching decision. But you definitely notice it when they spend a lot of time in their zone. Hell it happened every time we played them, if we could setup possession, we crushed them in their own zone, but their offensive players and speed are lethal.

 

[The Tikkanen]

With a new Coach, GM and philosophy I expect any King player who cannot take the puck to the middle of the ice to be dispatched one way or another. Sutter's Stiffs are about to leave the building just like the old coach.

 

[AlphaBravo]

Everyone just assumes you can lose a guy like Muzzin/Lewis and just plug and play anyone.

Look at how we have replaced Mitchell/Stoll.... O wait the Kings still haven't replaced those guys.

Still looking for a rock solid Number 3 Defender Like Mitchell, also still trying to replace Jarret Freaking Stoll, the Kings gusty third line Center.

Welcome to the cap world. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want to keep Muzzin or Martinez, Lewis and Clifford, enjoy having the same crappy team we had last year.

If you want this team to have a chance at making the playoffs you need one and maybe two more top 6 forwards. To have the cap space for that, you have to make sure there is no one making more than $1 million a year in your bottom 6, and you have to deal with the drop off in defense by playing Doughty, Forbort, Gravel, LaDue, McNabb and one of Martinez or Muzzin.

Unless you find a way to unload Brown or Gaborik (which wont happen for another 2-3 years) these are the only options we have.

 

[Reclamation Project]

If you need to get a legitimate top 6 winger, there are only a couple options available.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

I like Kopitar, I really do.

But he is not Crosby, in tilting the ice offensively.

Oh, it's not even close. I could easily name at least 20 guys better offensively than Kopitar. Not saying all 20 are overall better players but offensively Kopitar isn't near the best which seems odd considering he scores 65-70 points every season.

I remember in last year's playoffs the Pens system was just to use their great-skating defensemen to beat people to the puck and just fling it out to an area to create a footrace. They're asking much less of their defensemen than other teams, and yes, it's a great coaching decision. But you definitely notice it when they spend a lot of time in their zone. Hell it happened every time we played them, if we could setup possession, we crushed them in their own zone, but their offensive players and speed are lethal.

Yep, great points. Once Washington starts their cycle they get Pittsburgh in trouble. They're just having a ton of problems starting that cycle. Aren't the Kings 3-1 against them the last 2 seasons?

 

[KingsFan7824]

Welcome to the cap world. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want to keep Muzzin or Martinez, Lewis and Clifford, enjoy having the same crappy team we had last year.

If you want this team to have a chance at making the playoffs you need one and maybe two more top 6 forwards. To have the cap space for that, you have to make sure there is no one making more than $1 million a year in your bottom 6, and you have to deal with the drop off in defense by playing Doughty, Forbort, Gravel, LaDue, McNabb and one of Martinez or Muzzin.

Unless you find a way to unload Brown or Gaborik (which wont happen for another 2-3 years) these are the only options we have.

Or, do what everyone is always saying and give Brodzinski and Kempe a chance from the get go. What people have said Chicago has done such a good job of.

You're right, can't have the cake and eat it. Somewhere along the way, cheap younger players have to produce. Muzzin and Martinez both had $1m cap hits in 2014. That's why they could have Mitchell and Regehr on the team at the same time.

Other teams don't want/need $1m+ bottom 6 forwards either. No reason to assume Blake can get rid of them. If we're thinking about what the team will look like, figure on all the guys we all don't want on the team because they suck, to be on the team because they suck, and work around that.