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

[tny760]

So... 8 D then?

gotta get mark alt some minutes

 

[lumbergh]

Alpacas love Premier League Soccer. You should focus your advertising dollars there.

Please tell me there’s a South American soccer team named the Alpacas. I would tape a brown pompom on my forehead and cheer my ass off for that team.

 

[kingsboy11]

Please tell me there’s a South American soccer team named the Alpacas. I would tape a brown pompom on my forehead and cheer my ass off for that team.

Don't know about alpacas, but there are 2 teams in the Bolivian soccer league called The Strongest Club and Club Always Ready

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Lizotte is definitely the Rudy of the team. He is the little guy that dreams of being a center in the NBA. He never takes a shift off and gets ragdolled and manhandled to no end, but keeps on going, even if you can tell he will never quite get there. He's a pretty good personality to keep around the team for however long he can hold on, but everyone knows we'll have to part ways sooner rather than later.

I'm not so sure we will, he's basically the perfect depth player.

He was on pace for 30 points last year. The 'problem' is he's fallen off to 20 this year--which is still good for a 4th liner. Just need to see which he is going forward. It's nice to have a guy who can play up or down the lineup as needed and forechecks and carries the puck as relentlessly as Lizotte.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Lizotte is an RFA and I’d hate to see him get 3 year, $1M+, one way contract. Just look at the Wagner deal to see the issue. The worrisome part is that Lizotte could easily make a case he is worth more than Wagner based on how much the coaches have played him.

He’s a serviceable bottom six player, but he’s nowhere close to above replacement in that type of deployment. It would help if he was a bit more one dimensional and excelled at some single facet of play. So giving him a inflexible deal would tie the coaches hands for at least 75% of the next season.

I’ve got no issue with him coming to camp and competing for the 4C spot. Using him as the 13/14th forward is just fine. But if the plan is start next season with Kopitar, Vilardi, JAD and Byfiield as your centers, then Lizotte should slot in fifth.

Some may say that Vilardi should be on the wing, and I think it’s too soon to do that permanently. And it’s just creates other problems in the lineup, just at the wing position and who you paid him with. You don’t put him at the wing to be a guy who moves around. It’s better to find a wing that helps Vilardi and Frk is an obvious first option for next year at the start.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Lizotte is an RFA and I’d hate to see him get 3 year, $1M+, one way contract. Just look at the Wagner deal to see the issue. The worrisome part is that Lizotte could easily make a case he is worth more than Wagner based on how much the coaches have played him.

He’s a serviceable bottom six player, but he’s nowhere close to above replacement in that type of deployment. It would help if he was a bit more one dimensional and excelled at some single facet of play. So giving him a inflexible deal would tie the coaches hands for at least 75% of the next season.

I’ve got no issue with him coming to camp and competing for the 4C spot. Using him as the 13/14th forward is just fine. But if the plan is start next season with Kopitar, Vilardi, JAD and Byfiield as your centers, then Lizotte should slot in fifth.

Some may say that Vilardi should be on the wing, and I think it’s too soon to do that permanently. And it’s just creates other problems in the lineup, just at the wing position and who you paid him with. You don’t put him at the wing to be a guy who moves around. It’s better to find a wing that helps Vilardi and Frk is an obvious first option for next year at the start.

He's f***ing excellent at getting in on the forecheck and retrieving the puck. That alone would make him an 'above replacement' bottom sixer (god I'm already so, so sick of that term). If he's more of the 30 point guy than the 20 point guy, he's an extremely good depth player, not just a decent filler. He gets no PP time--all that damage is 5v5. On top of that, he's speedy, has good vision, can lug the puck through the neutral zone...he has much more identity than anyone else we're trotting out down there right now. I'd be hard pressed to tell you the identity of some of the other guys. He also just turned 23...so the best is likely yet to come.

Not sure what people are expecting from their 4th liners but if Lizotte settles in anywhere on the 4th line, we're fine. Starting the season as 2C? Yeah, that was bad.

 

[DoktorJeep]

He's f***ing excellent at getting in on the forecheck and retrieving the puck. That alone would make him an 'above replacement' bottom sixer (god I'm already so, so sick of that term). If he's more of the 30 point guy than the 20 point guy, he's an extremely good depth player, not just a decent filler. He gets no PP time--all that damage is 5v5. On top of that, he's speedy, has good vision, can lug the puck through the neutral zone...he has much more identity than anyone else we're trotting out down there right now. I'd be hard pressed to tell you the identity of some of the other guys. He also just turned 23...so the best is likely yet to come.

Not sure what people are expecting from their 4th liners but if Lizotte settles in anywhere on the 4th line, we're fine. Starting the season as 2C? Yeah, that was bad.

You should send that to Lizotte’s agent, I don’t think his HS guidance counselor could write a more glowing take. He’s not a 30 pt guy. This season his ice time is down, he’s getting the majority of his starts in the defensive zone and his PPG average is down from .35 to .24.

So he’s trending down the lineup and next year will have more competition. Like I said he’s not a useless player, but he’s also not a solution to any problems. He’s just a guy.

I’m curious what you think an appropriate extension looks like for him, and should it be a one way deal?

 

[AlphaBravo]

Lizzy is just a placeholder. He is small, weak and has no upside. I like his hustle, but that’s all he has. Next season, Lizzy and Wagner are going to be the next Amadio and replaced by our prospects with more upside.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

You should send that to Lizotte’s agent, I don’t think his HS guidance counselor could write a more glowing take. He’s not a 30 pt guy. This season his ice time is down, he’s getting the majority of his starts in the defensive zone and his PPG average is down from .35 to .24.

So he’s trending down the lineup and next year will have more competition. Like I said he’s not a useless player, but he’s also not a solution to any problems. He’s just a guy.

I’m curious what you think an appropriate extension looks like for him, and should it be a one way deal?

Maybe there's a career in player agency coming up for me

So you're saying he's being used as a defensive specialist and still putting up a 20 point pace? Edit: his advanced stats are great too, he's the best player outside the top line.

What do you think bottom sixers do?

That production alone would make him the Tampa Bay Lightnings 11th-12th forward.

Pick a team, do your homework, I think you'll be surprised.

As far as an extension yeah, I'm sure he will get a one way deal, if it's 2 years, around a million. I have zero reason to believe Blake is going to break the bank here and it's frankly kind of a strange worry since we're talking about near-league-minimum. I wouldn't even be that worried if it's 3 years, waive him if someone takes his spot

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Lizzy is just a placeholder. He is small, weak and has no upside. I like his hustle, but that’s all he has. Next season, Lizzy and Wagner are going to be the next Amadio and replaced by our prospects with more upside.

Who are the 4th line buzzsaws in our prospect pool?

I don't think he's irreplaceable, but if people think we're going to be just straight rolling four scoring lines, might need to think again.

 

[apadilla]

Lizzy has a great motor. In yesterday's game he threw some nice checks. If he isn't selected by Seattle, he should be back on the roster next season. A 1 or 2 year deal at 1.5m aav would be good deal for both sides.

 

[Reaper45]

Don't know about alpacas, but there are 2 teams in the Bolivian soccer league called The Strongest Club and Club Always Ready

Still can’t beat FC Santa Claus.

 

[AlphaBravo]

Who are the 4th line buzzsaws in our prospect pool?

I don't think he's irreplaceable, but if people think we're going to be just straight rolling four scoring lines, might need to think again.

Easy. Gundstrom, JAD, Moore.

 

[Docgonzo]

Who are the 4th line buzzsaws in our prospect pool?

I don't think he's irreplaceable, but if people think we're going to be just straight rolling four scoring lines, might need to think again.

4th line center is a perfect opportunity to snag a ufa physical vet for that spot. And then maybe a winger for the 3rd line via ufa. Won’t break the bank and not many 1st & 2nd line wingers available.

 

[kilowatt]

4th line center is a perfect opportunity to snag a ufa physical vet for that spot. And then maybe a winger for the 3rd line via ufa. Won’t break the bank and not many 1st & 2nd line wingers available.

Trevor Lewis and Kyle Clifford

 

[KingsFan7824]

Trevor Lewis and Kyle Clifford

 

[Mats26]

Who are the 4th line buzzsaws in our prospect pool?

I don't think he's irreplaceable, but if people think we're going to be just straight rolling four scoring lines, might need to think again.

Top 2 lines needs the talent but a bottom 6 of:

Moore - JAD - Grundstrom
Lemieux - Akil Thomas - Andersson

I just don't see Lizotte, Wagner or Luff as full time roster players.
The bottom 6 listed can provide the buzz and some scoring.
Maybe add a UFA vet for a bottom 6 role too.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Who are the 4th line buzzsaws in our prospect pool?

I don't think he's irreplaceable, but if people think we're going to be just straight rolling four scoring lines, might need to think again.

Naw man....I think you are forgetting the past cup winners, Washington, St. Louis, and Tampa, all had pure straight skill 1-12.

LA Cup winning lineup right here...right?

Iafallo - Kopitar - Kaliyev
Kempe - Byfield - Fagemo
AA - Vilardi - Frk
Moore - Thomas - JAD.

Don't need anyone who can forecheck or create turnovers, we need scorers man....

Now that my sarcasm is done with, I have no idea WTF people are thinking when it comes to team construction around here....

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Top 2 lines needs the talent but a bottom 6 of:

Moore - JAD - Grundstrom
Lemieux - Akil Thomas - Andersson

I just don't see Lizotte, Wagner or Luff as full time roster players.
The bottom 6 listed can provide the buzz and some scoring.
Maybe add a UFA vet for a bottom 6 role too.

I'd take Lizotte or Wagner over Lemieux any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

 

[Mats26]

I'd take Lizotte or Wagner over Lemieux any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

I like Lizotte, but Lizotte is not being protected. And if he is the casualty so we can protect Lemieux to keep MacDermid off the ice, I'll also do that every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Lizotte is taking ice time away from JAD, and Thomas next year, he is not a long term center on this roster.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I like Lizotte, but Lizotte is not being protected. And if he is the casualty so we can protect Lemieux to keep MacDermid off the ice, I'll also do that every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Lizotte is taking ice time away from JAD, and Thomas next year, he is not a long term center on this roster.

Lizotte won't be protected.....agreed...but in your lineup, I take Lizotte over Lemieux any day of the week...

Lizotte isn't taking away ice time from JAD next year that's nonsense, and if Thomas can't beat out Lizotte next year...what does that say about Thomas?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Easy. Gundstrom, JAD, Moore.

Last I checked Tonka couldn't even hold a lineup spot, JAD was in the middle six, and Moore was our 2LW.

What is happening to push Lizotte out?

Again he's not irreplaceable, but you think Akil Thomas is just walking into 4C over Lizotte next year?

These aren't bad answers don't get me wrong, but something very very drastic has to happen for those guys to suddenly be our 4th line.

@Mats26 I don't at all see Luff or Wagner as comparable to Lizotte, imo.

4th line center is a perfect opportunity to snag a ufa physical vet for that spot. And then maybe a winger for the 3rd line via ufa. Won’t break the bank and not many 1st & 2nd line wingers available.

Actually, I could get on board with that--but not necessarily to simply replace Lizotte. There's an opportunity cost there. And who are those UFAs that would be a culture/ability upgrade? Lizotte strikes me as the least of the problems in that regard, coaches and players rave about him, he's flinging himself all over with reckless abandon at all times. One of VERY few in the org whose effort you can NEVER question.


I'm sorry guys, I feel like I'm watching a completely different player than lots of you are. Maybe it just means I'm horrifically wrong and it sure wouldn't be the first time, but I don't see him in the "13th forward" tier at all.

 

[lumbergh]

Last I checked Tonka couldn't even hold a lineup spot, JAD was in the middle six, and Moore was our 2LW.

What is happening to push Lizotte out?

Again he's not irreplaceable, but you think Akil Thomas is just walking into 4C over Lizotte next year?

These aren't bad answers don't get me wrong, but something very very drastic has to happen for those guys to suddenly be our 4th line.

@Mats26 I don't at all see Luff or Wagner as comparable to Lizotte, imo.




Actually, I could get on board with that--but not necessarily to simply replace Lizotte. There's an opportunity cost there. And who are those UFAs that would be a culture/ability upgrade? Lizotte strikes me as the least of the problems in that regard, coaches and players rave about him, he's flinging himself all over with reckless abandon at all times. One of VERY few in the org whose effort you can NEVER question.


I'm sorry guys, I feel like I'm watching a completely different player than lots of you are. Maybe it just means I'm horrifically wrong and it sure wouldn't be the first time, but I don't see him in the "13th forward" tier at all.

Lizotte is on pace for 20 points over a full season this season. Basically having no impact. Low event player. He's not getting better; this might be all he's got at the age of 23. At his size, he needs some kind of skill that's interesting and he just doesn't have "it", whatever it is.

After a string of 4Cs that bring nothing interesting to the table (Shore, Dowd, Amadio), I guess Lizotte is fine as 4C, but I won't miss him when he's gone. I mean, that's pretty much your definition of a 13th forward right?

 

[YP44]

Love Lizotte but he will not be in the league in 5 years. Play the guys who have a future or bring someone in.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Lizotte is on pace for 20 points over a full season this season. Basically having no impact. Low event player. He's not getting better; this might be all he's got at the age of 23. At his size, he needs some kind of skill that's interesting and he just doesn't have "it", whatever it is.

After a string of 4Cs that bring nothing interesting to the table (Shore, Dowd, Amadio), I guess Lizotte is fine as 4C, but I won't miss him when he's gone. I mean, that's pretty much your definition of a 13th forward right?

What exactly is a low-event player?