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

[Sol]

I saw some people mention that Hoven indicated the kings would have taken Byfield 1OA. Does anyone have a link for that?

Thanks in advance.

SiZEeee and CenTEr

- kings organization historically climaxes

 

[Herby]

That contradicts other rumors that they had heated internal discussions about who to take with the #2. I mean I guess the Kings could have just been really low on AL and had the 3 prospects ranked similarly, but he was the consensus #1 by just about everyone.

I'm sure if the Kings had won the lottery and had all three guys relatively equal then Blake would tried trading down to 2 or 3.

 

[Johnny Utah]

Btw Stevenson better pay for that elbow.

 

[Statto]

That’s cause Kempe looks lost 5on5 no matter who he plays with. Really only looks comfortable getting “slingshooted” (is that a word) on the power play.

He’s never had an opportunity to develop any sort of chemistry with Kopitar, just a couple of games here and there. It doesn’t happen overnight and nor should anyone expect it to. To know if he’d be able to play with Kopitar you’d need to give it a good 10 games.

Apart from that he’s played with a bunch of relatively low scoring centers and/or guys struggling to find their games. He’s had a very different situation to deal with than AI, which isn’t to bash him, but it shouldn’t be used to hammer Kempe either.

So I forgive him his 5/5 numbers especially as I see him creating chances for himself when he’s not getting the support. He’s done well and I’m happy he’s scoring on the pp because funny enough every goal counts the same and by coincidence he’s scoring when on the ice with better players. I remember when Brown used to get then same criticism and actually has done this season also.

 

[Mats26]

100% Kings want to extend Iaffallo, anywhere in the 3.5-4.5 million per in the 3-4 year range. All situational glue guy on the top line that is progressing in point totals and found chemistry with Kopitar, which seems at times a challenge.

But here's what the Kings might be thinking:

1- We don't want a NMC. Prospects will eventually need top line minutes so AI will need to be moved in a few years.
2- If we sign him now, we need to protect him, so who gets left off the protection list...Clague, Moore, Grunsdtrom?, is it worth it. Can we sign him after the expansion draft? That would be ideal if his agent agrees.

3- Last time we tried to improve the top LW spot we got Kovi-d. How do we improve our top line and is that the priority over our D and 2nd line situation? Is spending 8 million on Tayler Hall a move in the right direction? Or is 4 million for AI and 4 million to aquire help elsewhere a better option.

4- What message does trading him send to all our younger players. Kid was respected by our Vets, played well and gets moved. How do we build this team's foundation for the 20-22 year olds?


Interesting to see what direction they take.

 

[Reaper45]

Btw Stevenson better pay for that elbow.

100%. Hey Lemieux, see that guy over there. Yeah he did that. Go have a word.

 

[tbrown33]

I don’t get why folks are okay with trading Iafallo for a late first even. That kind of pick has a 50/50 chance of ending up as an NHL player anywhere near as good as Iafallo in, like 4 years.

so that we can package it to move up for a top 5 pick...or a top pairing LHD. Not entirely interested in actually using that hypothetical pick.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

 

[funky]

I loved listening to Seidel. Seems very knowledgeable. Spread some light on guys like Chromiak and a few of our goalie prospects. Didn’t necessarily sugar coat anything.

well if AI is going who is he going for?

My only question is if we lose AI at the trade deadline, Wagner in the expansion draft we better sign AA or we’re losing a lot of speed off this team.

 

[KingsFan7824]

4- What message does trading him send to all our younger players. Kid was respected by our Vets, played well and gets moved. How do we build this team's foundation for the 20-22 year olds?

The younger guys should be more interested in what they have to do to stay in the league before worrying about the contract of Iafallo.

He's already 27, 28 in Dec, and he's a 50pt player based on the last 2 seasons. Probably not going to be cheap, and you never know with free agents, maybe he wants to go closer to home. It's not necessarily all on the Kings whether he's here or not.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Turning a college UFA into a TDL bounty for a cellar dweller with a stacked pipeline is common sense.

After the Kings putrid last six weeks, Blake is completely incompetent if he keeps Iafallo at this point.

 

[Peter James Bond III]

If Kings lose again today, sell, sell, sell.

Maybe not a bad idea to try to get the injured Werenski or Eichel. As long as you get the medical records on Eichel. If it looks like neck-spinal related, that's one thing....but
if he's going to be 100% by next yr, why not try to get into talks? Maybe pry another decent Sabre in a deal.

There are still even Brown and Quick rumors. Looks like IA may be goners. Interesting next 48 hours, to be sure.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Alex Iafallo will be a Boston Bruin in a matter of hours.

Björk + will be coming back. Sadly not the Icelandic singer.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Seriously, Anders Bjork for Iafallo?

 

[Sol]

Alex Iafallo will be a Boston Bruin in a matter of hours.

Björk + will be coming back. Sadly not the Icelandic singer.

Thank you for the big trade Blake woooo!

 

[AzKing]

Outside of the draft, Blake has really done little to improve the team on the ice in its current state. His trades are uninspiring and lack any sort of real plan.

 

[Schrute farms]

Björk + will be coming back. Sadly not the Icelandic singer.

Bjork the singer is awesome. So strange and eclectic- in a great way.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Outside of the draft, Blake has really done little to improve the team on the ice in its current state. His trades are uninspiring and lack any sort of real plan.

I've always said Blake lacks the ability to think outside the box -- he lacks greatly in creativity. Anyone can suck every year and take the best available pick in the draft with the help and support of your scouting team. It's what you do to take it to the next level - that's what defines you as a GM. Need an example, look up this guy named Dean Lombardi....

 

[DryIslandBartender]

I loved listening to Seidel. Seems very knowledgeable. Spread some light on guys like Chromiak and a few of our goalie prospects. Didn’t necessarily sugar coat anything.

well if AI is going who is he going for?

My only question is if we lose AI at the trade deadline, Wagner in the expansion draft we better sign AA or we’re losing a lot of speed off this team.

Kings have been talking about and adding speed since Blake was hired. The record isn’t good. Kings need to start expanding their player attributes to target, because this franchise has a identity crisis.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Kings have been talking about and adding speed since Blake was hired. The record isn’t good. Kings need to start expanding their player attributes to target, because this franchise has a identity crisis.

Eh, somewhat, they’ve talked about it, but they’ve also made moves for guys who would fit the Lombardi mold with the likes of Phaneuf, Nate Thompson, Torrey Mitchell. Who have the speedy additions been? Tobias Rieder and Andreas Athanasiou?

It’s not like the Kings are a faster team just because they have a couple of fast skaters. The team is lacking in skill and their inability to connect with passes still makes them a slow ass team due to their shitty transitional play.

If they were trying to be some finesse team with speed and skill, I doubt we’d see MacDermid in the lineup, or a move to add a player like Brendan Lemieux.

 

[AzKing]

Seriously, Anders Bjork for Iafallo?

I am failing to see what value Anders Bjork has that we don't already have on the team which is some bottom 6 winger. He certainly doesn't scream "Potential steal."

 

[Kingspiracy]

Bjork the singer is awesome. So strange and eclectic- in a great way.

Nah, she sucks

 

[funky]

We don’t have a lot of anchors anymore. Kopitar, Vilardi and Lias seem slow. Kopitar makes it work, I think Vilardi will get a bit better as he gets stronger. On the fence with Lias.

we have rockets on AA, Wags and even Lizotte.

Carter, Kempe, Moore, JAD are great skaters.

it’s more getting players that mesh and can play a speed game. Processing, passing etc.

We have pieces, we have notable upgrades coming up. We will never have a team of rockets. Vilardi and Kaliyev are slower but can process the game and have the skill to endure. I just want a few rockets that can split the Defence and give a different look

 

[goosh]

Turning a college UFA into a TDL bounty for a cellar dweller with a stacked pipeline is common sense.

After the Kings putrid last six weeks, Blake is completely incompetent if he keeps Iafallo at this point.

Not sure what Iafallo’s camp is demanding contract-wise, but if it’s something reasonable, I’d prefer to re-sign him. Feel like he can be part of the solution here. Young-ish guy at 27, great chemistry with Kopi, works hard every shift, has some skill. We can use guys like that.

I’d be sad to see him go, but would understand if they can’t agree to terms...

 

[funky]

It’s time to let the kids have a decent shot.

package AI and Walker. Let Strand and Clague showcase and protect the one that stands out.

Give Lemieux, Grundstrom, Moore, JAD, Vilardi, Kupari etc more time.

Buyout Carter this offseason. Re-sign AA. Just a different element that plays with heart. Like to see AA and Byfield on a line. Two big fast bulls