Speculation: 2020-21 News/Rumors/Roster Thread

[cyclones22]

other than Kaliyev seems like everyone is more of a disher than a finsiher in LA's system.

Palffy was a great. him Allison and Deadmarsh were unreal together when healthy

It's part of the reason why I prefer Byfield at #2 overall. The kid led the entire CHL in primary points produced per game. Goals and primary assists. If Stutzle was also a goal scorer, then we would be talking potential Patty Kane and I'd be even more excited. Folks have also forgotten that Kane was a monstrous goal scorer in Junior. In the end, goal scoring ability is a premium. It's why Carter and Gaborik put the Kings over the top to win Cups. Anyway, if the Kings draft Stutzle and he turns out to be a Barzal clone, that would be optimal. The #2 overall pick better turn out to be the best player on your team if you're rebuilding or a franchise cornerstone on a Cup contending team.

 

[Basilisk]

If Dennis Hopper & Woody Harrelson had a child, it'd look like Wroblewski....

 

[Basilisk]

Or how about we keep Byfield, Vilardi, Turcotte and see who pans out while they learn from the legendary Kopistar (whose best by data is couple seasons ago), grow into contenders and then trade some other assets for your superstar?

We keep all three and we'll have the best center depth in the league for the next 12-15 years!!!

 

[SettlementRichie10]

"Having too many elite centers is a problem," said no one ever.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Trading first round picks have always worked well for the Kings.


I think the only times the team actually benefitted from trading first rounders was the Gretzky trade (for late firsts with the only decent player becoming Martin Rucinsky), the Khristich/Dafoe trade (Capitals drafted a bust), the Palffy trade (Isles took Taylor Pyatt), and the Jeff Carter trade (Jackets drafted Marko Dano).

All of the rest of those trades involving first rounders in the 70s and 80s turned into utter disasters that set the franchise back for decades. If the goal was to commit long term damage to the organization, then mission accomplished.

 

[kilowatt]

Or how about we keep Byfield, Vilardi, Turcotte and see who pans out while they learn from the legendary Kopistar (whose best by data is couple seasons ago), grow into contenders and then trade some other assets for your superstar?

We could even become as good as the Leafs!

I'd be surprised if any one of Turcotte, Vilardi, or Byfield ever reaches Eichel's level of production. Eichel's point total this past COVID-shortened season would be Kopitar's third-highest point total in his career. Hell, besides Kopitar's 92-point season, Eichel's 78 points this season would be the most points scored for the past decade, and the last time someone on the Kings scored higher than Eichel's 36 goals this past season was Palffy in 02-03, with 37.

 

[funky]

Defensive targets we could trade up for.

in my believe Drysdale, Sanderson and Guhle are gone in the top 15 . Man would I love Guhle.

next group I would be interested in probably goes 20 to 31:

Schneider - big right shot Dman. Defense oriented but has some offensive potential. Don’t think he falls far enough for us to be able to trade up to with just picks.

Wallinder - looks like a great prospect. Ranked all over the place. Phenomenal skater, bit of snarl.

Barron - think he goes late teens early to mid 20’s but injuries hurt his rank. Looks to have the skills to be the real deal. We may have the capital to trade up if he falls a bit.

possibly available early 2nd pick:

Barron - this would be an absolute steal. Hopefully other teams scared off by his injuries

Wallinder- interesting project, talent and size is there.

Grans - this guy is rated everywhere. Has a lot to like but some red flags. If anyone has the staff to work with him it is us. Let him marinate over seas a few years.


later second round picks.

If I am the Kings I go forwards with our first 2 picks unless one of Barron or Wallinder is there at 35. There are many interesting D man still to be picked. With our late seconds:

Yan Kuznetsov

Tyler Kleven

Ryan ORourke

Shakir Mukhamadullin

Daemon Hunt

One or more of these guys will probably be available with her later second round picks. They may not be the most talented guys, but most have size and some skill. Some can add snarl.

 

[Reaper45]

Daemon Hunt is a must pick for his name alone.

 

[YP44]

It's part of the reason why I prefer Byfield at #2 overall. The kid led the entire CHL in primary points produced per game. Goals and primary assists. If Stutzle was also a goal scorer, then we would be talking potential Patty Kane and I'd be even more excited. Folks have also forgotten that Kane was a monstrous goal scorer in Junior. In the end, goal scoring ability is a premium. It's why Carter and Gaborik put the Kings over the top to win Cups. Anyway, if the Kings draft Stutzle and he turns out to be a Barzal clone, that would be optimal. The #2 overall pick better turn out to be the best player on your team if you're rebuilding or a franchise cornerstone on a Cup contending team.

First time I have heard this. Google did not help me verify, but if true that is big.

 

[YP44]

Defensive targets we could trade up for.

in my believe Drysdale, Sanderson and Guhle are gone in the top 15 . Man would I love Guhle.

next group I would be interested in probably goes 20 to 31:

Schneider - big right shot Dman. Defense oriented but has some offensive potential. Don’t think he falls far enough for us to be able to trade up to with just picks.

Wallinder - looks like a great prospect. Ranked all over the place. Phenomenal skater, bit of snarl.

Barron - think he goes late teens early to mid 20’s but injuries hurt his rank. Looks to have the skills to be the real deal. We may have the capital to trade up if he falls a bit.

possibly available early 2nd pick:

Barron - this would be an absolute steal. Hopefully other teams scared off by his injuries

Wallinder- interesting project, talent and size is there.

Grans - this guy is rated everywhere. Has a lot to like but some red flags. If anyone has the staff to work with him it is us. Let him marinate over seas a few years.


later second round picks.

If I am the Kings I go forwards with our first 2 picks unless one of Barron or Wallinder is there at 35. There are many interesting D man still to be picked. With our late seconds:

Yan Kuznetsov

Tyler Kleven

Ryan ORourke

Shakir Mukhamadullin

Daemon Hunt

One or more of these guys will probably be available with her later second round picks. They may not be the most talented guys, but most have size and some skill. Some can add snarl.

this feels like a draft where in 10 years everyone says "how did we pass this guy" and the best d goes late first or in the 2nd round

 

[cyclones22]

First time I have heard this. Google did not help me verify, but if true that is big.

Actually, he was slightly behind Marco Rossi I believe overall. I believe my reference was even strength primary point production. So he wasn't just killing it on the powerplay, but on 5 on 5 hockey. It's been referenced a few times here. The Lukeman is the king of finding these statistical nuggets.

This is a very good article you should read: Scouting Report: Quinton Byfield - Smaht Scouting

 

[Statto]

Saw a report that we are kicking the tires on Eichel. Vilardi and the 2OA +... Man dont know what to think about that. Do you think Byfield can be on the same page as Eichel. Im leaning that way. Thoughts?

Can’t see it. With where we are and our prospect pool, if we make a big move it’s for a top pairing D. However we just are not ready to make a big move... next year and it’s different. Especially with the Covid situation, so much is up in the air and it introduces all sorts of risks and uncertainties. I can see up making a free agent signing for a LHD or even trading a couple of picks to acquire someone, to take advantage of the cap situation. However making any sort of major move now could easily backfire, badly.

 

[Kingsfan1]

My hope is we can get up the 14/15 spot (Edmonton/Pittsburgh) and get Seth Jarvis or Jan Mysak. They would be my ideal Top6 wingers for LA's new core

In Mckenzies final rankings he has Mysak ranked 34th. Hence why I’m holding out hope we can snag him with our 1st pick in the 2nd round . Fingers crossed . He’s going to be a good one

 

[Statto]

Actually, he was slightly behind Marco Rossi I believe overall. I believe my reference was even strength primary point production. So he wasn't just killing it on the powerplay, but on 5 on 5 hockey. It's been referenced a few times here. The Lukeman is the king of finding these statistical nuggets.

This is a very good article you should read: Scouting Report: Quinton Byfield - Smaht Scouting

Yep... still want him. Note the reference to his ability around the net, hopefully burying the myth that he only scores off the rush. It also references that he does play physically - whilst noting the need to do so more in his own end but it’s not a major concern that is easily fixed in a coachable player, which he is. He does now use his size and he is using it more, so expect to continue to improve. As for his and power, just wait until Matt Price gets hold of him... he will get stronger and more explosive. Cannot wait!

 

[kingsholygrail]

this feels like a draft where in 10 years everyone says "how did we pass this guy" and the best d goes late first or in the 2nd round

But we do that in every draft.

 

[funky]

If rumors on these sights are true by the start of next season we see a team that looks like

Iafallo - Kopitar - Brown
Kempe - Eichel - Kaliyev /Frk
Grundstrom- Lizotte - Carter
Fagemo/ Moore - JAD - Wagner


Krug - Doughty
Anderson- Roy
Bjornfot- Walker
MacDermid - Clague

Quick
Pederson.

might as well sign Hall while we are at it. Have the space.

And the rumors I am basing things on

Blake wants to trade for Eichel

Blake wants to sign a left shot Dman. Krug would be a perfect partner to Drew and can run a PP but he will be 30, want long term deal and is rumored to want to stay out East.

Kaliyev can’t go to the AHL. May get an NHL shot.

Fagemo is ready to come across.

I know this won’t happen but I am board, find rumors fun and it does make the team look decent on paper.

I see the off-season going more like

land an AHL coach - done
hold on to #2 - pick Byfield
Sign an Edmundson type
Say good bye to Lewis
try and trade into the bottom end of the 1st - grab Barron
Find a new WHL scout

 

[Token]

I'd be surprised if any one of Turcotte, Vilardi, or Byfield ever reaches Eichel's level of production. Eichel's point total this past COVID-shortened season would be Kopitar's third-highest point total in his career. Hell, besides Kopitar's 92-point season, Eichel's 78 points this season would be the most points scored for the past decade, and the last time someone on the Kings scored higher than Eichel's 36 goals this past season was Palffy in 02-03, with 37.

And that means what exactly?

Im all in for the Kings to win more cups, not some Vegas award show moment for individual player stats.

Let me learn you something ...

The most recent player drafted 1OA to win the cup:
Patrick Kane 2007 Draft Class

The most recent 2OA to lift the cup:
Drew Doughty 2008 Draft Class

The most Recent top-5 pick to drink from the cup:
Brayden Schenn 2009 Draft Class

Distinguished list of top-10 picks since Patrick Kane to have their name engraved on the cup:
Doughty, Schenn, Pietrangelo.

That’s 12 years of picks, 120 of the finest NHL talent.

Heck, if you go top-20 picks for the past dozen years you can add Robert Thomas and a few journeymen 1st rounders that got traded to the Hawks and Pens.

Just simple data anyone can look up on CapFriendly or the NHL site.

Did you miss my snarky Maple Leafs comment? All superstar power and mediocre?

Well built teams win cups. Having a half dozen real good forwards with a chance of one or two becoming elite at some point is what brings home the silver chalice.

 

[Jericho111091]

If an Eichel level player is being shopped sure we should listen, but we have to consider that in acquiring him would we be much better than the Sabres are?

 

[cyclones22]

Here's the problem with acquiring Eichel right now. The Kings don't currently have the depth to be contenders with him on the team. Depth wins Cups and trading away your highest regarded prospects who you planned to be that top 6 depth is robbing Peter to pay Paul. Don't forget that Eichel is a $10mil player. We already have 2 players who make more than that right now and if you're making that bet with Eichel, you need to win now. You're not signing any high quality UFAs because you can't fit any under the cap.

Kopi is 33 this month and although I have faith in his longevity, you're gambling big time that he can be an elite 2nd line center for the next 3 to 4 seasons. In that time you're hoping that whoever's left in the pipeline turns into the 1st and 2nd liners you'll need to replace the players occupying those spots and fast. You trade for Eichel for prospects when you're already a playoff team and you're about to enter your window of being Cup contenders. That's when you trade for Mike Richards AND Jeff Carter in the same season. Not when you've been in the bottom 5 the last 2 seasons.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Trading for Eichel looks a lot like our 'trading for McDavid' thread.

With what it takes to get him, there's not much depth left, he's older than the rebuild, and while he's a stud, is he really that much better than the Byfield/Stutzle projections that we need to throw out multiple bluechippers? Like yes--on paper he's worth all that to the Sabres who have no reason to trade him, but I would argue he's not worth that much to the Kings, and puts them in a similar no-man's-land, committed to neither 'win now' NOR a rebuild.

Also people citing Vilardi's injury concerns are overlooking Jack's, who has consecutive seasons of 61, 67, 77 games. He's banged up a lot himself.

 

[KopitarFAN]

"Having too many elite centers is a problem," said no one ever.

This is exactly where people lose me in the Byfield/Stützle thing, you can't have too many centers, so unless you think Tim is a center long-term, you already default to Byfield.

 

[Stimpythecat]

Yeah, the kings don't have the assets to both obtain Eichel and surround him with a contending team. At this stage of the rebuild, it's one of the two but not both.

 

[DryIslandBartender]

Interesting story on the most controversial/popular owner in Kings history.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Lisa's list:
Joel Edmundson (UFA)
Olli Maatta (Potential Buyout)
Brenden Dillon (UFA)
Chris Tanev (UFA)
Mike Matheson (Trade, with Florida retaining on his six remaining years on an eight-year contract)

 

[lumbergh]

Lisa's list:
Joel Edmundson (UFA)
Olli Maatta (Potential Buyout)
Brenden Dillon (UFA)
Chris Tanev (UFA)
Mike Matheson (Trade, with Florida retaining on his six remaining years on an eight-year contract)

I wonder if the Kings are going to try to keep Clague from the 40 game limit to protect him from the expansion draft. Sign a place-holder for a couple of years to expose for the draft, then protect Doughty, Roy and Walker. I'm not sure that Walker is worth protecting, but who knows.