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

[Bandit]

Ranger fan - has Brendan Lemieux suited up for you guys yet? I liked the attitude he brought for us but he could never stay on his skates. Hope he works out for you guys.

Sounds like he and Lizotte will be taking warm showers together in the wee hours of the morning...

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

So Lewis was a depth guy.....but Wagner and Moore and Lizotte who play literally the same way.....are not.

Interesting.

We've been spoiled with good-to-great bottom sixers for years. Both production and advanced stats wise--they always hold up to the best of the league.

People for some reason are scared to point at the real problems--2nd line production since Carter's injury and D scoring behind Doughty. Toffoli and Pearson were good so long as Carter was good for 60 points. Iafallo and Brown are fine so long as Kopitar is good for 70-80. The problem is Carter is dead, Kopitar probably doesn't have many of those years left in him, Toffoli and Pearson are gone--so right now we have a top-line C and two good top-six complementary wingers. An entire line + of production/play drivers will need to emerge in short order so people stop blaming Iafallo and the Moore's of the world while also ignoring that no dman but Doughty can get a point.

This year that showed when Vilardi couldn't take the step forward we hoped and Kempe's ugly inconsistency came back.

 

[Bandit]

We've been spoiled with good-to-great bottom sixers for years. Both production and advanced stats wise--they always hold up to the best of the league.

People for some reason are scared to point at the real problems--2nd line production since Carter's injury and D scoring behind Doughty. Toffoli and Pearson were good so long as Carter was good for 60 points. Iafallo and Brown are fine so long as Kopitar is good for 70-80. The problem is Carter is dead, Kopitar probably doesn't have many of those years left in him, Toffoli and Pearson are gone--so right now we have a top-line C and two good top-six complementary wingers. An entire line + of production/play drivers will need to emerge in short order so people stop blaming Iafallo and the Moore's of the world while also ignoring that no dman but Doughty can get a point.

This year that showed when Vilardi couldn't take the step forward we hoped and Kempe's ugly inconsistency came back.

I don't disagree with any of that. I just don't think the solution is trading 8 top end assets for two guys who are not only driving the tank, but built the f***ing thing in Buffalo.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I don't disagree with any of that. I just don't think the solution is trading 8 top end assets for two guys who are not only driving the tank, but built the f***ing thing in Buffalo.

I'm with you. I'm just illustrating that we're arriving at wildly different solutions not only because of different philosophies but also because we're not agreeing on the 'problems' to begin with.

 

[SFKingshomer]

I don't disagree with any of that. I just don't think the solution is trading 8 top end assets for two guys who are not only driving the tank, but built the f***ing thing in Buffalo.

I give Dahlin a pass because he hasn’t been there long and plays a tougher position. Eichel was put in a terrible situation of having to carry all the offense. He’s a great player but has he been able to elevate his line mates play? He has the drive and needs to get out of there or get help badly.

 

[Sol]

I’m trying to remember a deal where a big long term contract was moved for positive value and I’m drawing a blank. Several teams would pass if here were waived...10 million is just too much for a guy his age.

Kopitar has three years left. He’ll be 36 at the end of it. Perineal 70-80 point player who is defensively sound.

Cap is an issue but I think multiple teams would be inclined. Especially if the Kings retained a bit.

Not advocating a trade, just saying.

This.

I don't see why you think it'd be so hard to find someone who would want Kopitar. It's not like he's a bad player. I just don't think the Kings are a good fit for him for where he's at in his career, and he isn't a good fit for the Kings either

 

[lumbergh]

Let's pace ourselves. There's no need to go out and shoot our wad of prospects on the first good-looking NHLer that comes along in some sort of hockey bukkake.

“Hockey bukkake” might be the best combination of words I’ve read all week. It’s almost poetic.

 

[SFKingshomer]

This.

I don't see why you think it'd be so hard to find someone who would want Kopitar. It's not like he's a bad player. I just don't think the Kings are a good fit for him for where he's at in his career, and he isn't a good fit for the Kings either

It would require the a Kings having to eat salary or take a bad contract back and in return they might get a good prospect and a 1st. To me he’s worth more in a development role for the young center’s in the pipeline. How often do teams have a 2 time cup champ, Selke winning player that is still good to teach the next wave of talent? The only way I’d want him traded is if he asked for it or the package was too good to pass up which seems unlikely.

 

[lumbergh]

So the trade deadline is coming up, and the Kings’ chances of making the playoffs are slipping away. At the beginning of the season I would have bet that the Kings would be shopping Athanasiou for a mid round pick, but now I’m not so sure. Is AA a keeper or a trade chip?

 

[Sol]

It would require the a Kings having to eat salary or take a bad contract back and in return they might get a good prospect and a 1st. To me he’s worth more in a development role for the young center’s in the pipeline. How often do teams have a 2 time cup champ, Selke winning player that is still good to teach the next wave of talent? The only way I’d want him traded is if he asked for it or the package was too good to pass up which seems unlikely.

Again, Kopitar's contract isn't that bad since it isnt for a very long time. Another 3 years, retain 30 percent and Kopitar for 7 million isn't that bad at all for a team looking to make a serious push. And yeah, the Kings can get a good piece back definitely.

Also, if management thinks it's a better idea to let an asset rot just so he can "mentor" the youth then they are completely stupid. You dont let an asset like that waste away just to teach the youth. The Kings can get a vet like Willie D down the line if they want to add experience. It shouldn't come at such a steep price by letting Kopitar's value rot when the Kings and Kopitar are in completely different places right now. You say that the Kings need to take a bad salary then proceed to call him a 2 time cup champ, a selke winner, and he's still good, how exactly is that going to be a trade that's going to be bad for the Kings? Kopitars got what, like 2-3 years max to remain a very good player. Kings aren't going to be doing shit in the next 3 years. at best playoff bubble team. The Kings dont need Kopitar and Kopitar should be traded to a team looking to make a push. It'd be doing right by Kopitar and in the best interest of the Kings. Wasting a potentially good return on a player like Kopitar just to teach the youth is a luxury, not a necessity.

 

[Bandit]

I give Dahlin a pass because he hasn’t been there long and plays a tougher position. Eichel was put in a terrible situation of having to carry all the offense. He’s a great player but has he been able to elevate his line mates play? He has the drive and needs to get out of there or get help badly.

Yeah I mean it’s certainly not ALL on them but when you’re the 1c and 1D you deserve some shit when your team goes on an 800 game losing streak, same way they’d get the glory if the win the cup. More than that though, they can’t drag Buffalo out of the basement, why would they do it here?

it’s all academic anyway, it’s not happening.

 

[Bandit]

Again, Kopitar's contract isn't that bad since it isnt for a very long time. Another 3 years, retain 30 percent and Kopitar for 7 million isn't that bad at all for a team looking to make a serious push. And yeah, the Kings can get a good piece back definitely.

Also, if management thinks it's a better idea to let an asset rot just so he can "mentor" the youth then they are completely stupid. You dont let an asset like that waste away just to teach the youth. The Kings can get a vet like Willie D down the line if they want to add experience. It shouldn't come at such a steep price by letting Kopitar's value rot when the Kings and Kopitar are in completely different places right now. You say that the Kings need to take a bad salary then proceed to call him a 2 time cup champ, a selke winner, and he's still good, how exactly is that going to be a trade that's going to be bad for the Kings? Kopitars got what, like 2-3 years max to remain a very good player. Kings aren't going to be doing shit in the next 3 years. at best playoff bubble team. The Kings dont need Kopitar and Kopitar should be traded to a team looking to make a push. It'd be doing right by Kopitar and in the best interest of the Kings. Wasting a potentially good return on a player like Kopitar just to teach the youth is a luxury, not a necessity.

I don’t disagree with you and Kopitar can be frustrating at times but I think you’re seriously underestimating how much worse this team would be without him. Imagine Carter as our 1C...

 

[Schrute farms]

I'm not sure Dahlin is the guy i'd be willing to give up a bunch of assets at this point for the Kings imo. In theory maybe considering position and size. But man he's looked bad this year and with all that Buffalo stench on him. I don't know if he's the guy to make our big move on. I think timing is off too for the Kings.

 

[SFKingshomer]

Again, Kopitar's contract isn't that bad since it isnt for a very long time. Another 3 years, retain 30 percent and Kopitar for 7 million isn't that bad at all for a team looking to make a serious push. And yeah, the Kings can get a good piece back definitely.

Also, if management thinks it's a better idea to let an asset rot just so he can "mentor" the youth then they are completely stupid. You dont let an asset like that waste away just to teach the youth. The Kings can get a vet like Willie D down the line if they want to add experience. It shouldn't come at such a steep price by letting Kopitar's value rot when the Kings and Kopitar are in completely different places right now. You say that the Kings need to take a bad salary then proceed to call him a 2 time cup champ, a selke winner, and he's still good, how exactly is that going to be a trade that's going to be bad for the Kings? Kopitars got what, like 2-3 years max to remain a very good player. Kings aren't going to be doing shit in the next 3 years. at best playoff bubble team. The Kings dont need Kopitar and Kopitar should be traded to a team looking to make a push. It'd be doing right by Kopitar and in the best interest of the Kings. Wasting a potentially good return on a player like Kopitar just to teach the youth is a luxury, not a necessity.

Can you name a player in a similar age and salary that was traded for a massive haul? He has value but no one is trading their best young assets for him.

 

[Bandit]

I'm not sure Dahlin is the guy i'd be willing to give up a bunch of assets at this point for the Kings imo. In theory maybe considering position and size. But man he's looked bad this year and with all that Buffalo stench on him. I don't know if he's the guy to make our big move on. I think timing is off too for the Kings.

This guy knows his beets

 

[Sol]

I don’t disagree with you and Kopitar can be frustrating at times but I think you’re seriously underestimating how much worse this team would be without him. Imagine Carter as our 1C...

Bro we're 26th with Kopitar on this team. 5 more spots down is not gonna be a big deal. I know the team will temporarily be much worse Without him but the Kings are going nowhere with the remainder of Kopitars contract and his age. Id rather get a good decent pick or a younger player that's gonna be able to grow with the young core that's going to supplant the old one. And the Kings shouldn't relegate Kopitars remainder of his contract as a babysitter. That's not right either.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I give Dahlin a pass because he hasn’t been there long and plays a tougher position. Eichel was put in a terrible situation of having to carry all the offense. He’s a great player but has he been able to elevate his line mates play? He has the drive and needs to get out of there or get help badly.

Yeah, I’m not expecting Buffalo to be in any rush to get rid of this guy.

 

[Sol]

Can you name a player in a similar age and salary that was traded for a massive haul? He has value but no one is trading their best young assets for him.

I'm not looking for a massive haul. I'm looking for youth and potentially experience. And on the top of my head I can't think of any trades at the moment, but that doesnt negate anything. Not many players in the history of the NHL have remained as competent as Kopitar has at his age, nor have the resume he does. That counts for a lot.

 

[SFKingshomer]

Yeah, I’m not expecting Buffalo to be in any rush to get rid of this guy.

Yea you would have every GM in the NHL asking about the kid if he was shopped.

 

[Sol]

Yeah, I’m not expecting Buffalo to be in any rush to get rid of this guy.

MacDermid and a conditional 3rd.

 

[Bandit]

Bro we're 26th with Kopitar on this team. 5 more spots down is not gonna be a big deal. I know the team will temporarily be much worse Without him but the Kings are going nowhere with the remainder of Kopitars contract and his age. Id rather get a good decent pick or a younger player that's gonna be able to grow with the young core that's going to supplant the old one. And the Kings shouldn't relegate Kopitars remainder of his contract as a babysitter. That's not right either.

I just don’t think it would be worth it for a number of reasons, but seriously who was the last 30+ 7m center with multiple years left that was traded for a quality asset?

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

MacDermid and a conditional 3rd.

Buffalo would have to include Eichel, but to even up contracts going out, the Kings might have to give up Luff, and that’s a tough call.

 

[apadilla]

Is Bjornfot concussed? I haven't seen any confirmation or not.

 

[Sol]

I just don’t think it would be worth it for a number of reasons, but seriously who was the last 30+ 7m center with multiple years left that was traded for a quality asset?

I don't know, but I definitely think the Kings would have takers if Kopitar was available.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Hilarious to see some fans befuddled by the lack of success and no improvement. What did you expect from an inexperienced management team and a head coach who has won nothing in the NHL?

In life, a person is judged on how they live up to their word. Every year since the dunce Luc and his lackey Blake have been in charge have been chocked full of disappointment by the end of the season. Every year they trot out hope and come up short.

Why does anyone expect good results? The only parts of the organization that are working are scouting and cap management, both inherited from the last regime. Every other part is a joke.

I called it when Todd was hired. Fans would quickly tire of him after listening to him rotate through tired excuses as he carries managements water.