Speculation: 2020-21 News/Rumors/Roster Thread

[AnThGrt]

Underrating of Laine is insane here. Clear few if any have watched him similar to how some ask who Roy or Walker are on our team. Without the slightest hesitation I'd move Vilardi or Turcotte + and had both top 3 prior their draft (Vilardi I argued with EP40 as #1 in 2017). Laine took critique and went playmaker and two-way this past yr vastly improving in both. He also was throwing his body around too. He would be a phenomenal add and anyone comparing him to Kovalchuk we had or some 60s player speaks more to the poster than the player.

Out dated takes help no one and only help spread false narratives. As LA fans we should be much more aware of this and more leary posting such come other teams.

If you can make a deal with just one of #2, Vilardi, or Turcotte plus other pieces? I'd take it and run and I absolutely love those 3 pieces, meh on Laine, but ultimately aware none of those 3 likely become as good as him and would be beyond ecstatic if they did.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Underrating of Laine is insane here. Clear few if any have watched him similar to how some ask who Roy or Walker are on our team. Without the slightest hesitation I'd move Vilardi or Turcotte + and had both top 3 prior their draft (Vilardi I argued with EP40 as #1 in 2017). Laine took critique and went playmaker and two-way this past yr vastly improving in both. He also was throwing his body around too. He would be a phenomenal add and anyone comparing him to Kovalchuk we had or some 60s player speaks more to the poster than the player.

Out dated takes help no one and only help spread false narratives. As LA fans we should be much more aware of this and more leary posting such come other teams.

If you can make a deal with just one of #2, Vilardi, or Turcotte plus other pieces? I'd take it and run and I absolutely love those 3 pieces, meh on Laine, but ultimately aware none of those 3 likely become as good as him and would be beyond ecstatic if they did.

Adding a single superstar like Laine at the expense of multiple prospects does not make this team a playoff contender. This isn't basketball.

No one is saying Vilardi or Turcotte or the #2 are better than Laine right now. We know how good Laine is. We also know the value of staying the course, developing your prospects, and THEN making deals for major players of Laine's caliber. Adding Laine now makes no more sense than adding Carter in 2009 instead of 2012.

 

[go4hockey]

We all saw what happened with Winnipeg when Scheifele went down in the playoffs, Little is done. My guess is the Jets would ask for one of Turcotte/Vilardi/#2 to pick a center, Kaliyev and Walker.

And Blake better hang up

 

[cyclones22]

Adding a single superstar like Laine at the expense of multiple prospects does not make this team a playoff contender. This isn't basketball.

No one is saying Vilardi or Turcotte or the #2 are better than Laine right now. We know how good Laine is. We also know the value of staying the course, developing your prospects, and THEN making deals for major players of Laine's caliber. Adding Laine now makes no more sense than adding Carter in 2009 instead of 2012.

And that's on top of the fact that you're going to have to make Laine one of the highest paid wing players in the league next offseason. I'm almost never a fan of trading for players that are going to require a new contract the next season, especially in a hard cap league. He's not a rental, but as good as Blake has been in getting his RFAs to sign value bridge contracts, you ain't getting a discount here. If he were a slam dunk worth his contract, Winnipeg wouldn't entertain shopping him.

 

[Stimpythecat]

We don't even know which prospects will hit and which ones will fall short. We don't have an established team yet. There are holes at LD, left and right wing. We need at least another year, probably two to evaluate and develop before making any sort of trade move like that.

 

[Steve Zissou]

We have posters here talking about trading young, valuable prospects who wear will wear the Kings logo on their asses while trading for Laine (who is just ONE YEAR away from free agency!) and some dude talking about the Kings needing to create more 'buzz' around the team during a pandemic...

You would think that after DL preaching PATIENCE for all of those years while leading our team to 2 STANLEY CUPS would instill some knowledge in some of you, but alas... never change HF posters.

 

[Docgonzo]

Underrating of Laine is insane here. Clear few if any have watched him similar to how some ask who Roy or Walker are on our team. Without the slightest hesitation I'd move Vilardi or Turcotte + and had both top 3 prior their draft (Vilardi I argued with EP40 as #1 in 2017). Laine took critique and went playmaker and two-way this past yr vastly improving in both. He also was throwing his body around too. He would be a phenomenal add and anyone comparing him to Kovalchuk we had or some 60s player speaks more to the poster than the player.

Out dated takes help no one and only help spread false narratives. As LA fans we should be much more aware of this and more leary posting such come other teams.

If you can make a deal with just one of #2, Vilardi, or Turcotte plus other pieces? I'd take it and run and I absolutely love those 3 pieces, meh on Laine, but ultimately aware none of those 3 likely become as good as him and would be beyond ecstatic if they did.

Problem is it wouldn’t take just one of Vilardi/Turcotte/#2 it could take 2 of them plus other pieces. And this team is no where near ready to be trading those pieces for a winger, it’ll just turn us into the early Ovechkin year Caps but gutting our depth while we do it.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

We have posters here talking about trading young, valuable prospects who wear will wear the Kings logo on their asses while trading for Laine (who is just ONE YEAR away from free agency!) and some dude talking about the Kings needing to create more 'buzz' around the team during a pandemic...

You would think that after DL preaching PATIENCE for all of those years while leading our team to 2 STANLEY CUPS would instill some knowledge in some of you, but alas... never change HF posters.

Remember when Kings fans flipped out when they traded Patrick O'Sullivan for Justin Williams, or Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds for Mike Richards?

 

[Stimpythecat]

One difference is the kings were picked by a number of people to win the stanley cup after the Richards trade.

This kings team is nowhere near contender status. And while a great high IQ player, Williams didn't cost the assets to acquire that a player like Laine would. And Laine will demand and get a near $10 million contract shortly. that would be three such contracts on the kings.

We'd be top heavy like the leafs only without the established group of supporting players. And also older.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

One difference is the kings were picked by a number of people to win the stanley cup after the Richards trade.

This kings team is nowhere near contender status. And while a great high IQ player, Williams didn't cost the assets to acquire that a player like Laine would. And Laine will demand and get a near $10 million contract shortly. that would be three such contracts on the kings.

We'd be top heavy like the leafs only without the established group of supporting players. And also older.

I don't think the Kings were favored to win the Cup in 2012 after the Richards trade. At least not according to the odds makers.
Bodog picks Canucks to face Capitals in 2012 Stanley Cup finals | ProHockeyTalk | NBC Sports

Even after the playoff matchups were set, the Kings weren't favored.
NHL Playoffs 2012: Stanley Cup Odds Heading into the First Round

 

[Stimpythecat]

I remember reading some had picked the kings heading into the season. Not a majority just some. This kings team is nowhere near that status.

Edit: Here is one that predicted the kings to be division winners. And the second had the kings 3rd in the conference.

NHL Predictions: 2011-12 Season Preview and Predictions

https://thehockeywriters.com/201112-nhl-season-predictions-western-conference/

And your second link was after the regular season was played so everyone saw the kings scoring issues.

 

[cyclones22]

The Kings were among the favorites in 2011/2012 to start the season. The odds changing because of underperformance that led to firing Terry Murray notwithstanding. I cashed in a 10 to 1 ticket at the Bellagio after the parade.

That being said, the Richards trade got them in the conversation. The Carter trade put them over the top. Two major trades to add to an excellent core. The Kings don't even have that core yet.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Also, nobody is suggesting the rebuild needs to end. I think one name was brought up as a conversation starter and people are suddenly becoming overdramatic about it. Is anyone really asking for the Kings to get rid of their prospects for established stars right this moment?

What's being discussed is if it makes sense to trade for a 22-year-old sniper. Not some over the hill veteran, which we've seen many of that kind pass through here.

I think in another season, the Kings can start looking at some legit trade options, but you also have to consider striking when the iron is hot, like right now when a lot of teams are in a pickle with their cap situations and trimming payrolls.

Like the suggestion to pursue Sergachev. Does adding a 22-year-old player mean they're changing course on the rebuild?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I don't think the Kings were favored to win the Cup in 2012 after the Richards trade. At least not according to the odds makers.
Bodog picks Canucks to face Capitals in 2012 Stanley Cup finals | ProHockeyTalk | NBC Sports

Even after the playoff matchups were set, the Kings weren't favored.
NHL Playoffs 2012: Stanley Cup Odds Heading into the First Round

The Richards trade affected odds hard. I was IN Vegas and too drunk the night before to place the 20-1 bet--when I checked the next day after the Richards trade after pulling my corpse out of bed, the odds had moved to 8-1.

Fun fact, the only three years I didn't bet on the Kings were in 2012 and 2014. And I skipped again in 2016 to see if the anti-Midas-touch worked but yeah.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

The Richards trade affected odds hard. I was IN Vegas and too drunk the night before to place the 20-1 bet--when I checked the next day after the Richards trade after pulling my corpse out of bed, the odds had moved to 8-1.

Fun fact, the only three years I didn't bet on the Kings were in 2012 and 2014. And I skipped again in 2016 to see if the anti-Midas-touch worked but yeah.

Was that in June? Talk about an extremely reactive bookie. Must be a Kings fan running it

 

[Stimpythecat]

I agree the timing is not right for a significant trade. We don't have the supporting role players in place for a major trade.

I am not against trading for a Williams type player. DL got Williams when Williams' price was at a near low due to all the injuries he had. And while we probably won't get a player whose cost is reduced due to an injury history, the pandemic is forcing teams to get rid of good players. Their cost is being reduced that way instead.

I'm all for waiting to see what quality players shake loose from other teams and going for them.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Was that in June? Talk about an extremely reactive bookie. Must be a Kings fan running it

As you pointed out with the article maybe it settled down a bit after, but the morning of, imagine how many socal folks in Vegas wanted those 20-1 odds, haha.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

What I'm saying is that we should in no way just sit on our hands. I responded to a post suggesting the King's be boring in free agency for two years. That's silly.

The King's should do everything they can to build on this draft buzz. They need to keep their names in the news. They need to keep kicking tires. Don't make stupid moves but don't let any traction fade.

If the Kings suck for two more years the rebuild will not work. LA is already not a free agent favorite among the players. DD already is a baby about losing. Kopitar is older. What happens if Vilardi injures himself?

The King's have lost public interest. The numbers show it. My eyes hurt watching them and prior to last year I had not missed viewing a game since 2003. Everything about the style of the King's play AND their social marketing is boring.

Time to parlay off of this number 2 pick coverage. Hire a good social marketer. Heck, take on a 2 year contract and trade it if you have to.

 

[Bandit]

What I'm saying is that we should in no way just sit on our hands. I responded to a post suggesting the King's be boring in free agency for two years. That's silly.

The King's should do everything they can to build on this draft buzz. They need to keep their names in the news. They need to keep kicking tires. Don't make stupid moves but don't let any traction fade.

If the Kings suck for two more years the rebuild will not work. LA is already not a free agent favorite among the players. DD already is a baby about losing. Kopitar is older. What happens if Vilardi injures himself?

The King's have lost public interest. The numbers show it. My eyes hurt watching them and prior to last year I had not missed viewing a game since 2003. Everything about the style of the King's play AND their social marketing is boring.

Time to parlay off of this number 2 pick coverage. Hire a good social marketer. Heck, take on a 2 year contract and trade it if you have to.

Curious as to why you think the bolded is important in any way? I've watched the Kings for over 30 years at this point and never has how much "buzz" they've had ever factored into my decision of watching and being a fan. I want to see an exciting product on the ice, who cares about "buzz"?

 

[KINGS17]

Also, nobody is suggesting the rebuild needs to end. I think one name was brought up as a conversation starter and people are suddenly becoming overdramatic about it. Is anyone really asking for the Kings to get rid of their prospects for established stars right this moment?

What's being discussed is if it makes sense to trade for a 22-year-old sniper. Not some over the hill veteran, which we've seen many of that kind pass through here.

I think in another season, the Kings can start looking at some legit trade options, but you also have to consider striking when the iron is hot, like right now when a lot of teams are in a pickle with their cap situations and trimming payrolls.

Like the suggestion to pursue Sergachev. Does adding a 22-year-old player mean they're changing course on the rebuild?

I would be ok with Sergachev. I like his age, and his consistency. I don't think he will be available. Tampa will find a way to re-sign him.

I am not sold on Laine. I would rather see how some of our prospects on the wing develop. I like the framework the Kings have followed in the past where if the team is lacking in scoring on the wing, they go out and acquire the missing piece. The new foundation needs to be built first, then we can buy the curtains and furniture.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I would be ok with Sergachev. I like his age, and his consistency. I don't think he will be available. Tampa will find a way to re-sign him.

I am not sold on Laine. I would rather see how some of our prospects on the wing develop. I like the framework the Kings have followed in the past where if the team is lacking in scoring on the wing, they go out and acquire the missing piece. The new foundation needs to be built first, then we can buy the curtains and furniture.

Agreed, that’s why I’m hesitant to move any of them and want the team to be certain of what they’re giving up (hence the outrage over trading Cernak in 2017). Don’t want to repeat that same mistake.

That said, I also like the Ehlers suggestion, but I think at this point targeting a low risk, high reward UFA like an Erik Haula might be the way to go this offseason. Not expecting a lineup full of rookies next season, but some names have to start stepping in over the next two seasons.

 

[KINGS17]

Agreed, that’s why I’m hesitant to move any of them and want the team to be certain of what they’re giving up (hence the outrage over trading Cernak in 2017). Don’t want to repeat that same mistake.

That said, I also like the Ehlers suggestion, but I think at this point targeting a low risk, high reward UFA like an Erik Haula might be the way to go this offseason. Not expecting a lineup full of rookies next season, but some names have to start stepping in over the next two seasons.

At 29 years of age I would view Haula as a "bridge" player. If he is a solid leader and the contract isn't more than 3 years, I think signing Haula would be fine.

Ehlers is a guy who could be around and contributing 5-6 seasons. If he comes at a reasonable price, no problem. He might be a nice fit on Vilardi's left.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Curious as to why you think the bolded is important in any way? I've watched the Kings for over 30 years at this point and never has how much "buzz" they've had ever factored into my decision of watching and being a fan. I want to see an exciting product on the ice, who cares about "buzz"?

Buzz drives excitement. If you have been excited to watch Kings hockey then I envy you.

I'm an avid fan, yet I've got better things to do with my time and money. That goes for 90 % of people under 40. Probably even age 50. The nba, the NFL, even baseball has bought into the marketing approach. Everything about the Kings turns off young fans and makes would be fans skip it.

Again, I'm not saying ruin the rebuild to create a buzz. I'm saying they need to keep interest. Use the media. Sign a vet for a year or two. Trade the vet. This is what every sports team does.

 

[kingsboy11]

Winning creates buzz. Once the team starts winning again we will see buzz around the team again. And if the team becomes actually exciting to watch maybe even something more. I don't think Blake and Luc are going to want to fast forward the rebuild because we don't even where the team is at right now. If we miss out on the playoffs by a couple points or even make the playoffs, maybe they'll start to be more aggressive. But if we are still bottom 10, then they'll stay the course.

So going after guys like Laine or Eichel or Ehlers is really tempting and they would certainly help the team, but is it worth to trade some of our prospects that we've worked so hard to accumulate to suddenly do an about face in the hopes that it will take the team to another level? Sergachev I would argue would be the only player that I think would truly move the needle in the right direction

 

[Stimpythecat]