Speculation: 2020-21 News/Rumors/Roster Thread Part III

[kilowatt]

So I’m watching the Senators/Canucks and it got me thinking about where the Kings are in their rebuild compared to other teams when they went through them.

Obviously talent is important in prospects because if you don’t have talent your rebuild won’t go far.

But unlike Ottawa, Edmonton, Buffalo, etc is unlike them who bring in Vets as mercenaries or have those like 3-4th line grinder Vets. We have Stanley Cup campion Vets 4 out 5 who’ve only ever played for this team.

I mean hearing Andersson talking about how much he’s watched and admired Kopitar growing up. It makes it so these guys can help the prospects grow more than say a NHL journeyman brought in to help the kids learn the game. Think Chicago is in the same spot but their drafting pool just isn’t as strong yet.

Absolutely. It sure is weird seeing Brown and Carter as the "grizzled vets" because I remember their rookie seasons, but that's exactly what they are. As with any job, having someone who has been there, done that, and seen it all can provide an incredibly calming presence to a team. It's especially helpful that we still have guys who played together for our cup wins, and our young players get to learn from them. Sure, Brown is probably a third line player at best these days, but I love the idea of having our young bottom six players able to learn from him.

 

[BringTheReign]

Great quote from Akil after the Reign game yesterday. He's currently the 2nd line center (behind Byfield). It'll be interesting to see the competition for top 6 spots when Turc and QB are both healthy:

"I think one thing we all know the Kings need is more scoring. I just want to continue to add to my game and them that I can put the puck in the net. I think they know that I can make plays and stuff like that. I definitely want to start shooting the puck a little bit more and scoring a few more goals."

Akil Thomas Scores in Third Straight – Postgame Quotes

 

[Lt Dan]

Great quote from Akil after the Reign game yesterday. He's currently the 2nd line center (behind Byfield). It'll be interesting to see the competition for top 6 spots when Turc and QB are both healthy:


Akil Thomas Scores in Third Straight – Postgame Quotes

Kid is a gamer

I saw him play against the Ducks prospects a few years back when they had some ridiculous figures like 180 games played vs every other team in single digits . Back when Kupari was our prime prospect. I expected Kupari to be the best Kings ,but Thomas was the best player on either team. Smart. Fast. Always in the right place.

 

[YP44]

So I’m watching the Senators/Canucks and it got me thinking about where the Kings are in their rebuild compared to other teams when they went through them.

Obviously talent is important in prospects because if you don’t have talent your rebuild won’t go far.

But unlike Ottawa, Edmonton, Buffalo, etc is unlike them who bring in Vets as mercenaries or have those like 3-4th line grinder Vets. We have Stanley Cup campion Vets 4 out 5 who’ve only ever played for this team.

I mean hearing Andersson talking about how much he’s watched and admired Kopitar growing up. It makes it so these guys can help the prospects grow more than say a NHL journeyman brought in to help the kids learn the game. Think Chicago is in the same spot but their drafting pool just isn’t as strong yet.

Vancouver took a big step back this year losing Markstrom. Having a goalie of that caliber hides alot of warts and allows their young guys to make mistakes and learn while having some success.

Ottawa intrigues me. They brought in a couple of veterans this off season and have a lot of great prospects.

 

[YP44]

Absolutely. It sure is weird seeing Brown and Carter as the "grizzled vets" because I remember their rookie seasons, but that's exactly what they are. As with any job, having someone who has been there, done that, and seen it all can provide an incredibly calming presence to a team. It's especially helpful that we still have guys who played together for our cup wins, and our young players get to learn from them. Sure, Brown is probably a third line player at best these days, but I love the idea of having our young bottom six players able to learn from him.

Sad thought, after this year Brown only has one more year on his deal. Does he retire? We should be cherishing every game he plays

 

[BringTheReign]

Sad thought, after this year Brown only has one more year on his deal. Does he retire? We should be cherishing every game he plays

If Brownie is willing to play bottom six, which I wholeheartedly believe he would as he's done it before, I bet we see him sign cheap, 1-year deals until he decides to hang them up.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

That's the biggest reason I've advocated having the vets around, and why I had been so disappointed in their play. If you want these guys learning the ropes from their idols, their idols have to be showing them good play, haha. I remember what a steadying influence Handzus and others were, now we have some of the best to play the game and franchise legends showing the way...

 

[BigKing]

If Brownie is willing to play bottom six, which I wholeheartedly believe he would as he's done it before, I bet we see him sign cheap, 1-year deals until he decides to hang them up.

I've thought this too but we are talking this season and next before that decision is made. Lots more miles to put on the tires and the Kings could definitely have better options for those spots by that point.

 

[YP44]

If Brownie is willing to play bottom six, which I wholeheartedly believe he would as he's done it before, I bet we see him sign cheap, 1-year deals until he decides to hang them up.

I hope so, want to see him live one more time before he is done

 

[kovacro]

Well, I will always have the Dustin Brown story about how he almost ran me over with his truck back in 09' after the Kings practice in El Segundo while I was on my honeymoon. Looking back at it, might have been better he did. Wife probably would not have minded either.

When he decides to hang em' up, I will always have fond memories of him.

 

[apocalypse]

Any chance Byfield and Turcotte come into the league as wingers. That would load up the kings top 6 for sure. I'm wondering how that transition would go from center to wing. They both have great speed, but are they good on the boards and retrieving pucks? Just wondering.

 

[YP44]

Any chance Byfield and Turcotte come into the league as wingers. That would load up the kings top 6 for sure. I'm wondering how that transition would go from center to wing. They both have great speed, but are they good on the boards and retrieving pucks? Just wondering.

I could see one of them with Kopitar to shelter. Have them take the odd face off depending on game script.
If there is no OHL and they can stay in the AHL that would be best for LA. Bring each up for a handful of games (not enough to burn a year on contract)

 

[regulate]

Any chance Byfield and Turcotte come into the league as wingers. That would load up the kings top 6 for sure. I'm wondering how that transition would go from center to wing. They both have great speed, but are they good on the boards and retrieving pucks? Just wondering.

Much more likely it would be Turcotte when you have Kopitar, Vilardi and Byfield down the middle. Turcotte does have experience on LW, but like most good players that typically play center, he would prefer to play down the middle.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

If I had my choice, I'd keep Turcotte in the middle, and Byfield/Vilardi--probably Gabe--move to the wing

regardless it's a good problem

 

[cyclones22]

My favorite personal Dustin Brown story. I was lucky enough to get invited to a Season Ticket holder signing event during the 2017 season. So I brought my 2012 Cup run commemorative book because I wanted Dustin Brown to sign his photo in his section the book. I had never been to one before, so I wasn't sure how it all worked, but when it comes time for players signing objects, you basically have a choice ahead of time and I selected the player group that had Brown in it. That was my sole mission, to get Brown to sign this thing. So anyway, as we're waiting in line, I realize that all I have is this book, which means a lot to me, but only 1 Cup winning team member in my group. To top it off, Brown is seated last in the group, so I'm gonna have to face Iafallo, Mike Cammalleri and I think Jonny Brodzinski. No way in hell am I getting those guys to sign that 2012 Cup book. So I'm scrambling to find anything for those dudes to sign, only to come up with a ****ing napkin that was in my pocket from some free snacks earlier. Iafallo and Brodzinski are rookies, so they're just happy to be there and sign away, but the look on Cammalleri's face when I handed him a napkin to sign was priceless. Then I get to Brownie and I pull out the big book set to exactly his page to sign as I stuff the napkin back in pocket, and he's got a funny grin on his face as he's scribbling his signature. He'll always be the captain to me!

 

[YP44]

If I had my choice, I'd keep Turcotte in the middle, and Byfield/Vilardi--probably Gabe--move to the wing

regardless it's a good problem

remember when LA had Richards as the #2 center and Carter on his wing. Good times that will hopefully be replicated.

 

[Fat Elvis]

Sad thought, after this year Brown only has one more year on his deal. Does he retire? We should be cherishing every game he plays

I remember meeting him during his first Frozen Fury in Vegas, back when the players and staff actually stayed at MGM and "let off some steam". We dressed like Elvis and went to the game (hence Fat Elvis) and actually hung out with Fox, Bob Miller, Visnovsky, Armstrong, Laperriere and Eric Belanger playing blackjack. Browns' first season with the team. Seems like yesterday.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

I think Vilardi on the wing makes the most sense. But maybe that’s just because I see Turcotte as Mike Richards Jr.

 

[YP44]

I remember meeting him during his first Frozen Fury in Vegas, back when the players and staff actually stayed at MGM and "let off some steam". We dressed like Elvis and went to the game (hence Fat Elvis) and actually hung out with Fox, Bob Miller, Visnovsky, Armstrong, Laperriere and Eric Belanger playing blackjack. Browns' first season with the team. Seems like yesterday.

great story, thank you for sharing.

 

[YP44]

My favorite personal Dustin Brown story. I was lucky enough to get invited to a Season Ticket holder signing event during the 2017 season. So I brought my 2012 Cup run commemorative book because I wanted Dustin Brown to sign his photo in his section the book. I had never been to one before, so I wasn't sure how it all worked, but when it comes time for players signing objects, you basically have a choice ahead of time and I selected the player group that had Brown in it. That was my sole mission, to get Brown to sign this thing. So anyway, as we're waiting in line, I realize that all I have is this book, which means a lot to me, but only 1 Cup winning team member in my group. To top it off, Brown is seated last in the group, so I'm gonna have to face Iafallo, Mike Cammalleri and I think Jonny Brodzinski. No way in hell am I getting those guys to sign that 2012 Cup book. So I'm scrambling to find anything for those dudes to sign, only to come up with a ****ing napkin that was in my pocket from some free snacks earlier. Iafallo and Brodzinski are rookies, so they're just happy to be there and sign away, but the look on Cammalleri's face when I handed him a napkin to sign was priceless. Then I get to Brownie and I pull out the big book set to exactly his page to sign as I stuff the napkin back in pocket, and he's got a funny grin on his face as he's scribbling his signature. He'll always be the captain to me!

all these brown stories someone should put together a book of just fan stories of Brown and what he means to them. I'd buy that

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I think Vilardi on the wing makes the most sense. But maybe that’s just because I see Turcotte as Mike Richards Jr.

Exactly my thought, even though I don't mind Jason Allison Jr. at center either!

And I think when/if Kopi is gone, those three down the middle would be deadly.

 

[ShonSaunders]

My favorite personal Dustin Brown story. I was lucky enough to get invited to a Season Ticket holder signing event during the 2017 season. So I brought my 2012 Cup run commemorative book because I wanted Dustin Brown to sign his photo in his section the book. I had never been to one before, so I wasn't sure how it all worked, but when it comes time for players signing objects, you basically have a choice ahead of time and I selected the player group that had Brown in it. That was my sole mission, to get Brown to sign this thing. So anyway, as we're waiting in line, I realize that all I have is this book, which means a lot to me, but only 1 Cup winning team member in my group. To top it off, Brown is seated last in the group, so I'm gonna have to face Iafallo, Mike Cammalleri and I think Jonny Brodzinski. No way in hell am I getting those guys to sign that 2012 Cup book. So I'm scrambling to find anything for those dudes to sign, only to come up with a ****ing napkin that was in my pocket from some free snacks earlier. Iafallo and Brodzinski are rookies, so they're just happy to be there and sign away, but the look on Cammalleri's face when I handed him a napkin to sign was priceless. Then I get to Brownie and I pull out the big book set to exactly his page to sign as I stuff the napkin back in pocket, and he's got a funny grin on his face as he's scribbling his signature. He'll always be the captain to me!

I was also at that signing with my 11 year old daughter (also our only signing event we’ve attended), and I gotta say that Iafallo, and Cammalleri were super cool and chatty with my daughter. My sole mission was to get Brown to sign a glossy of him holding the Cup, addressed to my family, and he did, but he wrote it out to my last name as if it were my first lol. I didn’t have the balls to ask him to add a “the” and”s” to it lol.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

So many great Dustin Brown stories! Mine is an oldie too...before Brown even had kids - that old.
He was in his first year on the Kings and I took my younger son Aaron to HealthSouth (TSC) and he must have
been 5 or 6. He had a nameless / numberless King jersey on and we watched a practice. After practice,
we were hanging out in the parking lot and several Kings were coming out. Must have been 05-06 season,
as Mike Weaver was on the team. (As Weaver signed his jersey too)
Several Kings just graciously started signing his jersey...As Norstrom signed it, I asked for a photo and he
got lower to be the same height as Aaron standing...epic photo and had his wall a few years....Aaron had a
few hockey cards and one was Dustin's. So, Dustin signed the card. And Aaron asked him to sign his jersey
too and I was going to tell Aaron, only 1 sig, son! But Dustin was already signing his jersey too. I took a photo
as Dustin was signing his jersey - it's one of my alltime favorite photos of my son, as Aaron has the newly signed
card in his hand, looking at it, while Dustin has pen on the jersey, signing the jersey.

Was epic of Dustin, to sign 2 items.

 

[ru4reals]

Sad thought, after this year Brown only has one more year on his deal. Does he retire? We should be cherishing every game he plays

I may be the only one who feels Brown, Kopi, Drew and Quickie should be lifelong Kings. I will Cry like a baby if and when these four are traded.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I may be the only one who feels Brown, Kopi, Drew and Quickie should be lifelong Kings. I will Cry like a baby if and when these four are traded.

I lost my shit over Martinez, the idea of Brown in another jersey is a nightmare