Speculation: 2020-21 LA Kings News/Roster/Rumors Discussion Part VI

[johnjm22]

It's no secret that Dean and Luc didn't get a long. Very different personality types.

I've never been impressed with Luc. I don't have anything against the guy, but he's not someone I want making hockey and operational decisions. He should be more of a figurehead IMO.

Listening to Blake Bolden describe how she was hired by Luc does not inspire confidence. Nothing against her, but if that's how Luc goes about things, it makes me nervous.

 

[Lt Dan]

I am still made about Blake's initial departure, but let's at least be fair here

Then Rob decided to leave that franchise to come back and surf for a couple of seasons.

A completely unqualified person was named AGM. Who blew the negotiations of multiple players, not just Blake. Remember Norstrom and Glen Murray's holdout's in 1999?

I think most of the people here would be insulted by a lowball offer that was worded "last final offer" from our employer, when we were due a raise plus had pressure from our union to sign a big deal . The offer was made before the season started, then Gilmore wouldn't return his agent's calls and , if you remember, Blake even ripped the C off his jersey pre-season.
This should have been a red flag to ownership , Lie-weekly, and Taylor but Gilmore was allowed to continue his my way or the highway negotiations.

DT did not keep Gilmore around for a damn good reason. Gilmore has not worked in a front office of hockey since , btw. The closest was working for the Canadiens doing corporate partnerships.

2-Remember that Blake was traded no Colorado. He didn't demand a trade or initially leave on his own

I'm not saying they are flying this ship blind. I pretty much think they are trying to do the same thing and are kind of following the DL model as far as accumulating assets etc. That isn't rocket science though so that is why it is very interesting to see what Blake does next. I know some on here don't care about making the playoffs next season and want to be bad for longer and I get it; however, another listless season like the last few could have a lasting negative impact.

I think there needs to be an addition that moves the needle a bit and makes it seem like it isn't just lip service when they talk about making the playoffs.

Let's say that are following the DT model. Where do you this team in the DL curve 2006-07, 2007-2008 ,or 2008-09?

The Kings got better when assets were moved POS for Williams , and Scuderi and Smyth were brought in. These kind of moves are completely plausible with the flat cap and the Kings having a ton of cap space this offseason.
With fans back in the stands and ticket money being a thing again next season, I think everyone here would be shocked if help weren't brought in

 

[Bandit]

Gotta agree with @KINGS17 here. Blake and Robitaille never took this franchise anywhere as players and were complementary players when they won elsewhere. I don't think they "know" how to win shit.

 

[TruKingFan]

McLellan said this after the Arizona loss:
"... if you can’t bring that self-pride to the rink, want to get better, prove that you belong…everybody’s asking for more, wants more, well let’s see it from you. That should be a real good motivating factor for everybody that’s in the lineup, from the older player on down through the youngest player."

The Kings have 12 players in the lineup who have less than three full seasons under their belt. It's as if you are completely oblivious to the fact that this isn't a playoff contending team, but a rebuilding team that is going through a transition.

No one disputes that the Kings are in transition in the rebuild process but it doesn't have to be a slow burn back to improvement and relevance. With cap space and a plethora of prospects that everyone can agree will not all be on this roster - Blake with some creativity can really turn this team around. Right now the team feels rudderless and without a belief system on how to win games. That's on the coaching staff and I'm not 100% sold on T-Mac.

 

[YP44]

Gotta agree with @KINGS17 here. Blake and Robitaille never took this franchise anywhere as players and were complementary players when they won elsewhere. I don't think they "know" how to win shit.

I usually like jumping on the "shit on Blake express" but hasn't he had some success internationally as an executive? Also i think Blake was more than a complementary piece to a very good avalanche team. I do think the Red Wings team that Luc won on would have won against anyone...God look at that roster.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Eh, I don't know if I'd call Blake on the Avs as a complementary piece. He finished sixth in playoff scoring with 6 goals and 19 points in 23 games, tops among all dmen in the playoffs that year, and he was averaging close to 30 minutes per game on the Avs and led all players in minutes played in those playoffs. Rob Blake was a huge reason why those Avs won a Stanley Cup without Peter Forsberg.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Gotta agree with @KINGS17 here. Blake and Robitaille never took this franchise anywhere as players and were complementary players when they won elsewhere. I don't think they "know" how to win shit.

Oh come on. They won. They were a part of the winning. They witnessed it.
Complementary players? Wow. You act like they were scrubs. They were both very good players who also helped the culture.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

No one disputes that the Kings are in transition in the rebuild process but it doesn't have to be a slow burn back to improvement and relevance. With cap space and a plethora of prospects that everyone can agree will not all be on this roster - Blake with some creativity can really turn this team around. Right now the team feels rudderless and without a belief system on how to win games. That's on the coaching staff and I'm not 100% sold on T-Mac.

I think those moves will come, possibly as soon as this summer. Many teams facing a cap crunch, a looming expansion draft, a pretty decent class of both UFAs and RFAs, and the Kings have five picks in the first three rounds of this year's draft.

 

[BigKing]

I am still made about Blake's initial departure, but let's at least be fair here

A completely unqualified person was named AGM. Who blew the negotiations of multiple players, not just Blake. Remember Norstrom and Glen Murray's holdout's in 1999?

I think most of the people here would be insulted by a lowball offer that was worded "last final offer" from our employer, when we were due a raise plus had pressure from our union to sign a big deal . The offer was made before the season started, then Gilmore wouldn't return his agent's calls and , if you remember, Blake even ripped the C off his jersey pre-season.
This should have been a red flag to ownership , Lie-weekly, and Taylor but Gilmore was allowed to continue his my way or the highway negotiations.

DT did not keep Gilmore around for a damn good reason. Gilmore has not worked in a front office of hockey since , btw. The closest was working for the Canadiens doing corporate partnerships.

2-Remember that Blake was traded no Colorado. He didn't demand a trade or initially leave on his own




Let's say that are following the DT model. Where do you this team in the DL curve 2006-07, 2007-2008 ,or 2008-09?

The Kings got better when assets were moved POS for Williams , and Scuderi and Smyth were brought in. These kind of moves are completely plausible with the flat cap and the Kings having a ton of cap space this offseason.
With fans back in the stands and ticket money being a thing again next season, I think everyone here would be shocked if help weren't brought in

Oh, I remember him ripping the "C" off his jersey. Will never forget it. He was traded but the only way he was signing here was for a market-setter as there was pressure on him to not cave on it from the NHLPA, if I remember correctly. Did the Kings botch the negotiations? Sure. It was also for a guy that wasn't exactly durable, although he would then go on to basically play every game for the Avs.

I'm 40 and not down with the NBA style "player empowerment" deal although, sure, I can't begrudge a guy maximizing his value or choosing where he wants to be. I get it but I'm also a die-hard fan of a team that has generally given me no reason to be a fan. So when Blake rips the "C" off and seems to posture his way out of here back then, I don't ever have to like it even if it wasn't 100% just him wanting to leave.

Blake has always seemed to be about Blake. Blew me off for an autograph as a teen when I was lucky enough to go in the Kings locker room after a game. Am I holding a grudge? Absolutely not. That was during his Norris year and I loved every second of watching him dominate. It's just a little more fuel on the fire of Blake seeming like an asshole. And you know what? I probably want my GM to be an asshole so that isn't even the issue: it's more that basically nothing good happens to the LA Kings while Rob Blake is involved but then he will leave and go on to something better for himself.

It's not exciting having our hopes riding on Blake. I hope he knocks it out of the park but you have to excuse me for being skeptical. Most GMs don't have a history of boning your franchise over multiple times until they actually become the GM haha. I sincerely hope it becomes a redemption tour but, again, it feels like I'm literally reliving the 1996-99 seasons.

 

[Bandit]

Eh, I don't know if I'd call Blake on the Avs as a complementary piece. He finished sixth in playoff scoring with 6 goals and 19 points in 23 games, tops among all dmen in the playoffs that year, and he was averaging close to 30 minutes per game on the Avs and led all players in minutes played in those playoffs. Rob Blake was a huge reason why those Avs won a Stanley Cup without Peter Forsberg.

Yeah but f*** him anyway. Yes I'm still bitter.

 

[johnjm22]

I've always felt that Blake's entire reason for signing that 2 year deal with the Kings was for selfish reasons. He wanted a cushy job with the organization after retirement, and to have his jersey retired.

But in order to do that, he needed to repair his relationship with the fanbase, thus he re-signed with L.A.

You can't really boo a player relentlessly when they're playing for you every night. He knew coming back was the only way to fix that.

 

[Bandit]

it feels like I'm literally reliving the 1996-99 seasons.

YYYYEAAAAAAHHHHHHHH....

 

[KINGS17]

Eh, I don't know if I'd call Blake on the Avs as a complementary piece. He finished sixth in playoff scoring with 6 goals and 19 points in 23 games, tops among all dmen in the playoffs that year, and he was averaging close to 30 minutes per game on the Avs and led all players in minutes played in those playoffs. Rob Blake was a huge reason why those Avs won a Stanley Cup without Peter Forsberg.

We're talking about leadership, not stats. Sakic, Forsberg, and Foote were the foundation of that team. All backed by Patrick Roy, then augmented by Bourque.

Yes, the deck was stacked in Blake's favor.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Exactly. And it is going to happen in LA as well. Rotten foundation with no accountability.

So in other threads you're bitching about the team shipping off all their vets, and in this thread you're bitching about all the vets that haven't been shipped off.

You've never proposed anything remotely resembling a solution, you just want to have your bitch cake and eat it too.

As was mentioned these guys drafted some high character individuals that have yet to debut. I think even you will agree culture takes some time to establish and it's pretty clear we're leaning on 'the next wave' at this point more than we are the old boys club as evidenced by the trades that have been made and Carter leaving.

As we've also agreed upon in many, many threads, this offseason is the vital one for Blake really showing what he's made of.

 

[Piston]

It's no secret that Dean and Luc didn't get a long. Very different personality types.

I've never been impressed with Luc. I don't have anything against the guy, but he's not someone I want making hockey and operational decisions. He should be more of a figurehead IMO.

Listening to Blake Bolden describe how she was hired by Luc does not inspire confidence. Nothing against her, but if that's how Luc goes about things, it makes me nervous.

It's not just personality. Smart people (DL) who don't like reporting to people far less intelligent who get by on glibness and looks. The fact that Luc is in his current position speaks poorly of the organization. I am willing to give Blake the benefit of the doubt since he's executing the easy part of the rebuild, gaining assets for parts that no longer fit, quite effectively. But with Luc, you actually have to know something about business to be in his position, and I doubt he knows the difference between an income statement and a balance sheet. Plus, he strikes me as a sneaky SOB, patiently waiting for the opportunity to stick a shiv in DL's back.

 

[Sol]

Luc? Yes, 100%

Blake? Absolutely wrong. The guy is as educated as they come amongst GMs 1st off--2nd off, he's spent time around the league in various offices and as Assistant GM. He's well qualified for a job anywhere. It's arguable whether he's the BEST candidate for a lot of reasons but if not here he'd have a job somewhere.

Blake hasn't accomplished shit yet though. If he'd have a job somewhere, then him happening to end up on the Kings was most likely because he was a King.

Let's not act like Blake is playing 5d chess.

If he was that smart he wouldn't make Stevens coach. And then Willie D, and then he went again.. To the well because I'm sure he felt comfortable, to make his coach, the coach of the Kings. Is really a great gm? He hasnt done shit yet to really right this team besides the draft. And from what I know about drafting is that that's primarily on the scouts

 

[LAKings88]

Towards the end of Lombardi, the fan base was calling for skill, speed, and youth. I thought DL should of stayed and I don't know if Luc or Blake schemed to get rid of him or not but many were calling for DL to read the tea leaves of the new NHL.

Luc and Blake seem committed to inserting speed and skill while understanding culture is still important.

Can't think of an industry where "who you know" doesn't factor into getting a job. I cut them some slack on good ol boys stuff. Was surprised at Futa and Stothers being released.

I'll give them a bit more rope. (Not that I really have any say in the matter)

Need to see the top prospects play.

 

[KINGS17]

Towards the end of Lombardi, the fan base was calling for skill, speed, and youth. I thought DL should of stayed and I don't know if Luc or Blake schemed to get rid of him or not but many were calling for DL to read the tea leaves of the new NHL.

Luc and Blake seem committed to inserting speed and skill while understanding culture is still important.

Can't think of an industry where "who you know" doesn't facture into getting a job. I cut them some slack on good ol boys stuff. Was surprised at Futa and Stothers being released.

I'll give them a bit more rope. (Not that I really have any say in the matter)

Need to see the top prospects play.

I am the first to admit Dean was slow to adjust. I am also quite certain Dean is a man who analyzes his mistakes and learns from them, which is why I would have preferred him to stay, and some of the players on retirement contracts to go.

I am interested in seeing the top prospects play as well. There are several keys to Blake's future success:

1. Did he draft, and trade for the right young players.

2. Is the organization developing those young players.

Then the hard part:

3. Which of these young players will be used to get a missing piece or two when the time comes, if it comes.

4. Is he going to find some players to lead this roster, either via those he has drafted, or in a future trade.

 

[King'sPawn]

Byfield to make his debut tonight.

 

[Papa Mocha 15]

I am the first to admit Dean was slow to adjust. I am also quiet certain Dean is a man who analyzes his mistakes and learns from them, which is why I would have preferred him to stay, and some of the players on retirement contracts to go.

I am interested in seeing the top prospects play as well. There are several keys to Blake's future success:

1. Did he draft, and trade for the right young players.

2. Is the organization developing those young players.

Then the hard part:

3. Which of these young players will be used to get a missing piece or two when the time comes, if it comes.

4. Is he going to find some players to lead this roster, either via those he has drafted, or in a future trade.

I remember reading that DL used to keep a small pocketbook with him of all the mistakes he made so he would never repeat them. I think in the end he got too emotionally involved with his players and made illogical decisions trying to hold on to what was. Interesting questions, we'll see how it pans out. Having a coach willing to play the young players is also going to be key as well.

 

[BigKing]

Eh, I don't know if I'd call Blake on the Avs as a complementary piece. He finished sixth in playoff scoring with 6 goals and 19 points in 23 games, tops among all dmen in the playoffs that year, and he was averaging close to 30 minutes per game on the Avs and led all players in minutes played in those playoffs. Rob Blake was a huge reason why those Avs won a Stanley Cup without Peter Forsberg.

Agreed. He was a big reason why the Kings couldn't get past them two years in a row as well which just adds more fuel to the fire. Was it Palffy or Allison he hit in Game 6 of the 2002 series that wound up hobbling whichever guy it was?

f***ing Rob Blake, man.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Agreed. He was a big reason why the Kings couldn't get past them two years in a row as well which just adds more fuel to the fire. Was it Palffy or Allison he hit in Game 6 of the 2002 series that wound up hobbling whichever guy it was?

f***ing Rob Blake, man.

That was Jason Allison, injured his leg I believe with a hip check. The Kings limped into Game 7, and just like in 2001, lost soundly in the deciding game.

 

[Docgonzo]

Lombardi has the same complaints Blake is getting pre 2012. Could he build a contender? Can he acquire skilled players? Questionable coaching decisions.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

We're talking about leadership, not stats. Sakic, Forsberg, and Foote were the foundation of that team. All backed by Patrick Roy, then augmented by Bourque.

Yes, the deck was stacked in Blake's favor.

Blake is lauded for being a great mentor whilr in Colorado and SJ.
I think you are truly hating on Blake. You are not giving him any credit for winning despite the fact that he was a driving factor in winning.

 

[YP44]

Eh, I don't know if I'd call Blake on the Avs as a complementary piece. He finished sixth in playoff scoring with 6 goals and 19 points in 23 games, tops among all dmen in the playoffs that year, and he was averaging close to 30 minutes per game on the Avs and led all players in minutes played in those playoffs. Rob Blake was a huge reason why those Avs won a Stanley Cup without Peter Forsberg.

some quantitative reasons why he was not to my fluff qualitative