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

[crassbonanza]

That’s why we hope we can keep MacD.

Also, Blake should have been more aggressive with Joel Edmundson.

I was against going after Edmundson last off-season, but man he has really proven me wrong. Just a solid player.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

If Lizotte is on the roster next season anywhere but the fourth line, then that's the fault of every center prospect in the organization for not doing enough to supplant him. Here's a hot tip for our young guys: force your way onto the team.

Kopitar, Byfield, Vilardi, and JAD is pretty solid down the middle. At some point, guys will have to step up and just be better.

Gentle reminder that 30 points is literal top tier 4th liner production so if he rebounds he's a useful player on any team--but I agree that everyone needs to pick up and wheelbarrow their own junk at this point. We have the kind of assets that should be supplanting Lizotte not because he's bad/redundant but because we're loaded with prospective NHLers.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Yeah, hard to tell if it's a one-off or a harbinger...but I think a lot of us expected the latter MUCH sooner so while it wouldn't necessarily be surprising it would be cause for a scare with the current state of the franchise.

That being said I'd love to see AEG's books right now. My god, like yes they took massive losses last year, but the money they're getting coming out of the pandemic has to be absolutely insane. EVERYTHING is marked up, even more with reduced capacity (though I guess then you take the tradeoff with fewer concessions etc...). I know there are lots of moving parts and I'm not going to pretend they aren't/weren't hurting, but money printer go brrrrr when things aren't in a pandemic.

This whole thing says that AEG needs immediate cash to operate. The Lakers are a great investment. Easy 4% ROI yearly. I think we should be a little scared if we needed to spend heavy this season to compete. I didn't expect the Kings to spend to the cap this season anyways.

 

[Schmooley]

That’s why we hope we can keep MacD.

Also, Blake should have been more aggressive with Joel Edmundson.

I think a lot of folks on here were into Edmundson and it was Blues fans really trashing him. Big dmen like that get better with age

 

[deaderhead28]

Brotherly Pod #109 "Dennis Bernstein Interview"Brotherly Pod


Anthony and Dan return with guest Dennis Bernstein to talk the LA Kings rebuild, Are they in on top stars, Eichel rumors, linear path to the Flyers, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter memories, expansion plans, Jonathan Quick, more!

‎Brotherly Pod: Brotherly Pod #109 "Dennis Bernstein Interview" on Apple Podcasts

 

[Vino]

If Lizotte is on the roster next season anywhere but the fourth line, then that's the fault of every center prospect in the organization for not doing enough to supplant him. Here's a hot tip for our young guys: force your way onto the team.

Kopitar, Byfield, Vilardi, and JAD is pretty solid down the middle. At some point, guys will have to step up and just be better.

If Lizotte is playing regularly end of next season, then that's the fault of every center prospect in the organization. And that also means that King's Amateur scouting staff and Player development staff has failed miserable and Robitaille, Blake, Yannetti and Murray should be fired.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

If Lizotte is playing regularly end of next season, then that's the fault of every center prospect in the organization. And that also means that King's Amateur scouting staff and Player development staff has failed miserable and Robitaille, Blake, Yannetti and Murray should be fired.

The 4th line Cs of the Final Four all put up 20-30 point paces this year, just like Lizotte did the previous year; Blake Lizotte did as good OR BETTER than every playoff 4th C in 2020. I tend to agree those guys need to 'beat' Lizotte but the onus would be on all the others rather than BL.

I THINK you and I are agreeing, I just want to make sure we're blaming the right people.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Whoever sits on the 4th line, they have to start getting some serious special teams play out of them. Kopitar just has to do everything.

Barkov's highest spot on the Panthers in PK time since 14-15 is 14th. He takes up 7 of their top 53 PKer spots. He's younger, but still, 13 other players have averaged more PK time in a single season over 7 years. He was 4th on Fla this year, 5th if you want to count the 10 games from Bennett.

Bergeron takes up 7 of the top 22 spots on Boston. Finished 3rd on the team this year.

Kopitar takes up 7 of the top 12 spots on the Kings, and was 1st in PK time this year.

Whether that's a lack of non-Kopitar talent as the team disintegrated, or the whims of 4 different coaches over 7 years, someone, anywhere, needs to take some pressure off Kopitar.

 

[Schmooley]

Thing is Lizotte didnt really play much as the 4th line center. Two seasons ago he was the 3c and last season he started as the 2c and kind of bounced up and down after he got covid.
I think Dolan cemented his role as the 4c but who knows.

 

[BigKing]

Thing is Lizotte didnt really play much as the 4th line center. Two seasons ago he was the 3c and last season he started as the 2c and kind of bounced up and down after he got covid.
I think Dolan cemented his role as the 4c but who knows.

I was going to ask if Lizotte was really the 4C two years ago for the entire year

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I was going to ask if Lizotte was really the 4C two years ago for the entire year

I don't care enough to audit GDTs for both years but regardless his average time on ice is basically as the 10th-12th forward BOTH years.

But it looks like his most common linemates as per the internet are

Kempe Wagner Moore Lewis Toffoli Carter theprevious year
AA Carter Grundstrom Moore Kempe this year

which seems to match my memory but I could be wrong

If we consider him a "trevor lewis" utility knife role then he's already put up a pace (last year) better than Trevor's best season. I consider Trevor Lewis the better player but they're comparable, at least to the extent people shouldn't be trying to dump Lizotte prematurely before seeing what he's got. Someone needs to take his job, but he's possibly good enough that they might not be able to.

 

[LAKings88]

Brotherly Pod #109 "Dennis Bernstein Interview"Brotherly Pod


Anthony and Dan return with guest Dennis Bernstein to talk the LA Kings rebuild, Are they in on top stars, Eichel rumors, linear path to the Flyers, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter memories, expansion plans, Jonathan Quick, more!

‎Brotherly Pod: Brotherly Pod #109 "Dennis Bernstein Interview" on Apple Podcasts

I agree with Bernstein honestly. LA needs to make a splash. We often overrate prospects but it’s hard when you don’t really know what you got. Kings will trade someone that fans like. Hopefully it’s for the right target.

 

[Schmooley]

I don't care enough to audit GDTs for both years but regardless his average time on ice is basically as the 10th-12th forward BOTH years.

But it looks like his most common linemates as per the internet are

Kempe Wagner Moore Lewis Toffoli Carter theprevious year
AA Carter Grundstrom Moore Kempe this year

which seems to match my memory but I could be wrong

If we consider him a "trevor lewis" utility knife role then he's already put up a pace (last year) better than Trevor's best season. I consider Trevor Lewis the better player but they're comparable, at least to the extent people shouldn't be trying to dump Lizotte prematurely before seeing what he's got. Someone needs to take his job, but he's possibly good enough that they might not be able to.

I like Lizotte. Every team needs a couple guys like him. A problem with the Kings right now is they have 11 of them and Kopitar. If guys come to camp and push Lizotte and Lemieux to the 13/14th forwards that would be great. Competition for a spot is a good thing right now. Guys will have to play hard to earn a spot.

 

[BigKing]

I don't care enough to audit GDTs for both years but regardless his average time on ice is basically as the 10th-12th forward BOTH years.

But it looks like his most common linemates as per the internet are

Kempe Wagner Moore Lewis Toffoli Carter theprevious year
AA Carter Grundstrom Moore Kempe this year

which seems to match my memory but I could be wrong

If we consider him a "trevor lewis" utility knife role then he's already put up a pace (last year) better than Trevor's best season. I consider Trevor Lewis the better player but they're comparable, at least to the extent people shouldn't be trying to dump Lizotte prematurely before seeing what he's got. Someone needs to take his job, but he's possibly good enough that they might not be able to.

Not bashing but I remember him having decent linemates to the point where he felt more like the 3C. 13% of his production was on the PP but another 13% was shorthanded. He should not get PP time on a good team so that will decline so he needs to be able to PK.

I don't hate the guy but, again, I'm not in love with a bottom six featuring two small dudes on it and Moore took the belt this season for best small guy. I guess this year coming up is the rubber match between the two of them.

It's really tough to be an effective NHL player at his size. Love his hustle and, like MacD, I think he plays a locker room role based on effort etc. At some point though, this team will transition away from these guys. It's telling that Mac got two years last off-season and Lizotte only got the one: there might not be room for guys like this starting next season.

 

[kinghock]

I agree with Bernstein honestly. LA needs to make a splash. We often overrate prospects but it’s hard when you don’t really know what you got. Kings will trade someone that fans like. Hopefully it’s for the right target.

I disagree with Bernstein.
LA does not need to make a splash, because hockey never going to be major attraction in LA no matter what.
I do not remember what team with Gretzky and company won despite all excitement about it.
Can you please refresh my memory?
Team which was built with founding blocks based on their own drafted players Kopitar and Doughty twice won the title.
Kings need to make some trades for players capable to win in playoff, but they do not need flashy marketable moves.

 

[LAKings88]

I disagree with Bernstein.
LA does not need to make a splash, because hockey never going to be major attraction in LA no matter what.
I do not remember what team with Gretzky and company won despite all excitement about it.
Can you please refresh my memory?
Team which was built with founding blocks based on their own drafted players Kopitar and Doughty twice won the title.
Kings need to make some trades for players capable to win in playoff, but they do not need flashy marketable moves.

The team is stale as f*** and looking at yet another stop gap season. They need to generate some excitement whether it’s play the kids more or bring in outside help. Even Blake knows they need to do something this off-season.

 

[LAKings88]

I disagree with Bernstein.
LA does not need to make a splash, because hockey never going to be major attraction in LA no matter what.
I do not remember what team with Gretzky and company won despite all excitement about it.
Can you please refresh my memory?
Team which was built with founding blocks based on their own drafted players Kopitar and Doughty twice won the title.
Kings need to make some trades for players capable to win in playoff, but they do not need flashy marketable moves.

The Gretzky era was more entertaining even without a cup compared to the shit pile of the last seven years.

 

[deaderhead28]

I agree with Bernstein honestly. LA needs to make a splash. We often overrate prospects but it’s hard when you don’t really know what you got. Kings will trade someone that fans like. Hopefully it’s for the right target.

I remember hearing the news about Patrick O'Sullivan being traded for Justin Williams and was pissed at the time lol.I get fans love their propects....

 

[deaderhead28]

I disagree with Bernstein.
LA does not need to make a splash, because hockey never going to be major attraction in LA no matter what.
I do not remember what team with Gretzky and company won despite all excitement about it.
Can you please refresh my memory?
Team which was built with founding blocks based on their own drafted players Kopitar and Doughty twice won the title.
Kings need to make some trades for players capable to win in playoff, but they do not need flashy marketable moves.

I remember the Gretzky era and before.
Name 1 team who drafted their entire Stanley Cup team.Moves need to be made and all these propects are not going to NHLers. Bernstein is absolutely right in his explanation on why the Kings need to make at lease two big moves this offseason. Hockey is a business and fans turn it into a soap opera.

 

[Cook24]

I’d be completely ok with moving prospects not named Byfield, Turcotte, and Kaliyev. If that means we can’t pull off a trade than so be it… we have 4-5 draft picks in the top 100 this draft…

But, Akil Thomas, Madden, Kupari, Fagemo, Grans, and Faber are all really good prospects who could bring something decent back…

 

[kinghock]

The Gretzky era was more entertaining even without a cup compared to the shit pile of the last seven years.

Comparing to the shit pile of the last seven years?
Seven years ago in 2014 Kings won title…

 

[kinghock]

I’d be completely ok with moving prospects not named Byfield, Turcotte, and Kaliyev. If that means we can’t pull off a trade than so be it… we have 4-5 draft picks in the top 100 this draft…

But, Akil Thomas, Madden, Kupari, Fagemo, Grans, and Faber are all really good prospects who could bring something decent back…

I believe you really undervaluing Faber.

 

[kinghock]

The team is stale as f*** and looking at yet another stop gap season. They need to generate some excitement whether it’s play the kids more or bring in outside help. Even Blake knows they need to do something this off-season.

I agree with you that Kings need play the kids more and bring in outside help.
I disagree that they need to make a splash trades.

 

[deaderhead28]

Team which was built with founding blocks based on their own drafted players Kopitar and Doughty twice won the title.

How many of the major players on the Kings two Stanley Cup teams were drafted by the Kings?Richards?Nope,Carter?Nope,Stoll?Nope,Greene?Nope,Mitchell?Nope,Williams?Nope,Gaborik?Nope,Penner?Nope,Regehr?Nope,Scuderi?Nope and there's others that contributed.......

 

[funky]

I agree with DB that moves have to be made.

I agree this year adding a major player through trade then sign another through F/A makes sense.

what I didn’t like was some of the names he mentioned.

RNH would score 40 points here. He scored over half his points on a PP that has Two of the best players in the world.

Likes Sanheim - another Dman with no offense. On the same podcast the hosts bitched about him.

The Schwartz one made sense.

I don’t believe for a minute we are out on Eichel either