Speculation: 2021-21 LA Kings News/Rumors/Roster discussion

[kilowatt]

I've said it before, when you're talking about the best of the best, health is a 'skill' as it often plays into not only availability but consistency.

It's one of the things that comes up re: Doughty and IDGAF if you say Prime Karlsson is better if he only shows up 30 games out of 82 since he's hurt, recovering from hurt, or just for whatever reason not prime the rest of the time. Give me Doughty, or in this case the ol reliable Kopitar who has played what was 97% of his possible NHL games last time I checked.

If my math is correct, Kopitar has played 1129/1157 regular season games in his career (including only 72 games his rookie season), and Doughty has played 975/994 games.

Kopitar: 97.5% of games played
Doughty: 98.1% of games played

Conversely, Karlsson has played 788/912, or 86% of regular season games. He's only played 77% of his possible games for San Jose.

 

[Kingspiracy]

We have big MacD - he’s a younger Oleksiak.

MacD is the better pugilist but Oleksiak is the better Dman at present.

 

[Statto]

Everyone will have Eichel avatars and order Eichel jerseys if he's traded to the Kings this week.

Well, as much as I think he’d be a bad move for the Kings I would absolutely support him to the hilt if he were to become a LA player. I think that goes for most of us who wouldn’t want to trade for him.

I realise your comment is tongue in cheek, but it’s worth noting.

 

[Lt Dan]

Everyone will have Eichel avatars and order Eichel jerseys if he's traded to the Kings this week.

Idk man. I have a pretty sweet avatar.

Can I negotiate keeping my avatar and changing my user title?

 

[DoktorJeep]

The Kings top 5 players next season are the second worse group in next seasons division, as of today, and obviously without including Seattle.

Doughty, Kopitar, Iafallo, Kempe, and Petersen are who I would choose. But even if you have a different opinion about a player on that list, if you compare to the rest of the division, I don’t see how you can rank the Kings higher than sixth.

Vegas: Stone, Pietro, Theodore, Pacioretty, Fluery
Edm: McDavid, Draisaitl, Nurse, Klefbom, Neil
Van: Petterssen, Boeser, Horvat, Miller, Hughes
Ari: Chychrun, Keller, Kessel, OEL, Garland
SJ: Kane, Couture, Meier, EK, Hertl
Cgy: Tkachuk, Gaudreau, Markstrom, Monahan, Hanifin
Kings
Duck
Seattle?

If the organization’s goal is to make the playoffs next season, it’s a given that Kopitar and Doughty have to lead the way and be better than their divisional competition.

Who can look at that list without purple tinted glasses and bet on Kopitar and Doughty being able to propel the Kings past 5-6 of those teams? I think that’s why the rumors of Eichel persist. Adding a Jayden Schwartz and Saad might move you up by one or two spots. But that still isn’t good enough for a playoff berth.

If Blake is feeling heat from ownership he might feel taking a big swing and missing will be a way to keep his job. Bringing in some middle of the road players and ending in the basement means the GM gets all the blame. Bringing in Eichel and missing the playoffs means you can point the finger at the roster.

As the old saying goes, no one ever got fired for buying IBM.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Eichel is #33 in the NHL in scoring for the last 5 years. Old ass Kopitar is #25. Eichel maybe a star but he is no means a superstar.

Get out of here man. So you are are going to take a players first 5 years in the NHL points and compare them to another guys best five year points? You bury your deceit and try to swing the jury by calling Kopitar "old ass".

You are purposely leaving out the fact that Eichel missed games AND was using his rookie year to dumb down his stats. Eichel is a superstar. He is a superstar playing in Buffalo. NOBODY would say that Eichel is not a superstar. He's a freaking PPG player in his first 5 years in the NHL playing on a team void in talent, who's daily lineups are changed based on the opposition they are playing.

Take the question as to if the Kings should pursue him out and just focus on the player. That is what we are talking about. Eichel is a freaking superstar. A top player playing in a bottom dwelling location.

This is the bull crap that I was referring to on this board. Everyone of us are sensationalizing both sides of every debate. There is a line drawn in the sand on every person in and out of the Kings organization. We need to get some enjoyment out of the games because otherwise we are jest going to volley crap to each other/.

 

[Docgonzo]

Get out of here man. So you are are going to take a players first 5 years in the NHL points and compare them to another guys best five year points? You bury your deceit and try to swing the jury by calling Kopitar "old ass".

You are purposely leaving out the fact that Eichel missed games AND was using his rookie year to dumb down his stats. Eichel is a superstar. He is a superstar playing in Buffalo. NOBODY would say that Eichel is not a superstar. He's a freaking PPG player in his first 5 years in the NHL playing on a team void in talent, who's daily lineups are changed based on the opposition they are playing.

Take the question as to if the Kings should pursue him out and just focus on the player. That is what we are talking about. Eichel is a freaking superstar. A top player playing in a bottom dwelling location.

This is the bull crap that I was referring to on this board. Everyone of us are sensationalizing both sides of every debate. There is a line drawn in the sand on every person in and out of the Kings organization. We need to get some enjoyment out of the games because otherwise we are jest going to volley crap to each other/.

Just because I think he’s a star and not a superstar? Schieflie and Wheeler are over a ppg in the past 5 years and I don’t think they’re superstars.

Your sensationalism of throwing around superstar/generational like candy is my problem.

I hate ppg for players who are injured a ton because you don’t know what they would’ve scored if they played the full season. Kopitar has played almost a season more than Eichel during the same time span.

McDavid has played 32 more games than Eichel but scored 219 more points. That’s a generational/superstar not Eichel. And it’s not an insult to Eichel. I believe there are like 5-8 superstars tops in the nhl at once and Eichel isn’t one.

I fail to understand how saying Eichel is only a star and not a superstar face of the league, who the NHL constantly promotes is a terrible insult to Jack.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Get out of here man. So you are are going to take a players first 5 years in the NHL points and compare them to another guys best five year points? You bury your deceit and try to swing the jury by calling Kopitar "old ass".

You are purposely leaving out the fact that Eichel missed games AND was using his rookie year to dumb down his stats. Eichel is a superstar. He is a superstar playing in Buffalo. NOBODY would say that Eichel is not a superstar. He's a freaking PPG player in his first 5 years in the NHL playing on a team void in talent, who's daily lineups are changed based on the opposition they are playing.

Take the question as to if the Kings should pursue him out and just focus on the player. That is what we are talking about. Eichel is a freaking superstar. A top player playing in a bottom dwelling location.

This is the bull crap that I was referring to on this board. Everyone of us are sensationalizing both sides of every debate. There is a line drawn in the sand on every person in and out of the Kings organization. We need to get some enjoyment out of the games because otherwise we are jest going to volley crap to each other/.

Wasn't even using Eichel's rookie year. Although, if you did, Eichel is still 33rd in total pts. However, 22nd in ppg since his rookie year. 16th in ppg in the last 5 years. Of the top 16 in ppg over the last 5 years, Eichel is only older than McDavid and Matthews.

On the other hand, you can say Eichel is that young and productive, but, he's playing in 30, 40, 70 fewer games sometimes, than the other 15 in that group.

There's ample reason to get Eichel. There are more than enough reasons to be concerned over getting Eichel. The current injury. Missed 10+ games a couple times during normal seasons. The cap hit. The potential cost to acquire him.

As with any player, whatever happens with Eichel, there will always be the what if. If you don't get him, what if you had? If you do get him, what if you didn't? What if you kept _____ instead? And, as with anything, the ultimate result will determine whether or not it was worth doing. If you win, even if you traded Byfield and Turcotte for him, it wouldn't matter. If you lose, you could only trade Brown and Quick for him, and well why did they do it? They didn't even win. What was the point?

There's no real winning for GMs. Unless they win. Anything short of that, and you're an idiot. Look at Montreal.

 

[tomd]

Well take comfort in the fact that if the Ducks or Sharks get Eichel they become the new Kings...chasing their tail trying to accelerate their rebuilds to satisfy $10 million players.

And it's not the players faults for wanting to win...it's the GM's fault for putting the team in that situation to begin with.

 

[Rusty Batch]

Obviously a trade for Eichel could be a massive win for our franchise or a big setback. It's kind of silly to pretend that under no circumstance could it help us win future cups.

 

[SFKingshomer]

I could see the Sabres more interested in a hockey trade for 2 or 3 pieces to fill out the NHL roster. LA is out in that case because NYR, SJ, PHI, MN, etc. can offer a better deal.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Well take comfort in the fact that if the Ducks or Sharks get Eichel they become the new Kings...chasing their tail trying to accelerate their rebuilds to satisfy $10 million players.

And it's not the players faults for wanting to win...it's the GM's fault for putting the team in that situation to begin with.

Agreed, but I really can't imagine Murray bringing on a 10m salary at the opportunity cost of so many NHL-level ELCs.

 

[tomd]

Agreed, but I really can't imagine Murray bringing on a 10m salary at the opportunity cost of so many NHL-level ELCs.

Oh I can. I don't think he'll trade Zegras or Drysdale but he's retiring in a year and I think he wants to prove he has a big d*ck by making a big trade that makes no sense for the roster he's let slip into utter mediocrity.

 

[KingTech]

I wonder what defenseman we could get for a package of AA and walker (both expendable imo) AA can be replaced by Kaliyev and Walker by Stand

 

[Schrute farms]

Well take comfort in the fact that if the Ducks or Sharks get Eichel they become the new Kings...chasing their tail trying to accelerate their rebuilds to satisfy $10 million players.

And it's not the players faults for wanting to win...it's the GM's fault for putting the team in that situation to begin with.

I do think Blake tried to retool the Kings ala Boston. But that quickly failed miserably. So then it was rebuild. In that case, having two high priced stars is undesirable due to all the issues involved and discussed by everyone in detail for years (black hole scenario, etc.). Better to fully commit to a rebuild.

But if the franchise player(s) do not want to be traded, then it's a tough spot for the team & GM. Especially when these two guys were so instrumental to your only 2 SCs and they are franchise icons now. Keeping them does help your team not be a complete dumpster fire like Buffalo. It can help the young guys learn and be mentors to follow as well. There's positives and negatives to each side. No easy answer because you risk falling into the abyss and being a joke franchise. Best scenario, imo, is simply commit to a full rebuild. But due to 2012/2014 and both guys wanting to stay, I think you ultimately owe it to them (& fans) to allow that and try the rebuild with them.

 

[johnjm22]

I love and respect both Doughty and Kopitar.

But it's obvious this franchise needs to rebuild. If they don't want to be part of it, they can move on. It's mostly up to them.

If they want to stay, I'm fine with that also, but the organization can't make moves just placate their desire to win now; it's not in the best interest of the franchise.

IMO, it takes about 8 drafts to do a rebuild. The 2022 draft will be the 5th in this rebuild for the Kings. We're not that far away if we stay the course.

 

[MBH]

Kings sign Eichel and they'll 3 players making $31M with a flat cap - maybe for two more years.
How many teams with 3 $10M players are at the top of the NHL?
Right now, there is one $10M player on the 4 teams remaining in the playoffs.
Now, Tampa is close with two @9.5. But even Tampa is only able to swing this because of some cap circumvention.

Canadiens: After price, nobody else over $7.8
Islanders: Nobody over $7M
Lightning: 2 at 9.5M
GoldenKnights: 1 at $9.5M.

 

[SFKingshomer]

Toews wasn’t happy with the direction of CHI and wasn’t traded. They have drafted well, made some good moves and are closer than LA all while keeping the big 3. Playoffs are possible following the same path but LA hasn’t had their picks hit yet.

 

[Mattias]

Well take comfort in the fact that if the Ducks or Sharks get Eichel they become the new Kings...chasing their tail trying to accelerate their rebuilds to satisfy $10 million players.

And it's not the players faults for wanting to win...it's the GM's fault for putting the team in that situation to begin with.

Here’s the other thing about Anaheim/san Jose trading for Eichel: what kind of talent would be surrounding Eichel if he was traded? I’m guessing the asking price is Zegras/Drysdale + 1st. Steep. Would make immediate impact for the team. But gutting the future to just make the first round looks asinine.

If Eichel goes to Anaheim and gets upset at the team direction in a year, what then?

Would San Jose have the assets to trade? I just don’t know.

Eichel has much to provide. Top talent. Habitually injured. Would sell lots of jerseys. But all these factors considering the trade is too rich for my blood.

If LA can’t get the d-man or goalie pick at 8 they want, I could see a trade for Reinhart.

 

[tomd]

Here’s the other thing about Anaheim/san Jose trading for Eichel: what kind of talent would be surrounding Eichel if he was traded? I’m guessing the asking price is Zegras/Drysdale + 1st. Steep. Would make immediate impact for the team. But gutting the future to just make the first round looks asinine.

If Eichel goes to Anaheim and gets upset at the team direction in a year, what then?

Would San Jose have the assets to trade? I just don’t know.

Eichel has much to provide. Top talent. Habitually injured. Would sell lots of jerseys. But all these factors considering the trade is too rich for my blood.

If LA can’t get the d-man or goalie pick at 8 they want, I could see a trade for Reinhart.

Good post. Eichel makes no sense in Anaheim or SJ. On the Kings? Yes, but only because of 11 and 8.

But the injury thing is just too scary at this point.

 

[Docgonzo]

I can’t see Eichel going to the Ducks, I don’t see them parting with Zegras/Drysdale/Comtois and if they don’t it’s the 3rd overall and a lot of quantity not quality.

Sharks have decent pieces but they’re older or same age as Eichel. Don’t know if Buffalo wants that if they’re trading Eichel and Reinhardt.

 

[tomd]

I can’t see Eichel going to the Ducks, I don’t see them parting with Zegras/Drysdale/Comtois and if they don’t it’s the 3rd overall and a lot of quantity not quality.

Sharks have decent pieces but they’re older or same age as Eichel. Don’t know if Buffalo wants that if they’re trading Eichel and Reinhardt.

I would agree with you but bad trades are made all the time for reasons that no one can explain. For you old-timers I can mention names like Ron Grahame, Rick Martin, and Jerry Korab and send you into spasms of anger.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Just because I think he’s a star and not a superstar? Schieflie and Wheeler are over a ppg in the past 5 years and I don’t think they’re superstars.

Your sensationalism of throwing around superstar/generational like candy is my problem.

I hate ppg for players who are injured a ton because you don’t know what they would’ve scored if they played the full season. Kopitar has played almost a season more than Eichel during the same time span.

McDavid has played 32 more games than Eichel but scored 219 more points. That’s a generational/superstar not Eichel. And it’s not an insult to Eichel. I believe there are like 5-8 superstars tops in the nhl at once and Eichel isn’t one.

I fail to understand how saying Eichel is only a star and not a superstar face of the league, who the NHL constantly promotes is a terrible insult to Jack.

Wtf? I've never called anyone a generational player. This is the first time I've ever called someone a superstar.

What makes a superstar? Pedigree, buzz, results. Eichel has had that since he was 16. Google Eichel superstar and enjoy.

I'm all for each of us having opinions on what a star is but if you dumb someone down to build a case against him you have to expect a rebuttal. It's all in the context. It's WHY you were crapping on him.

 

[MBH]

Toews wasn’t happy with the direction of CHI and wasn’t traded. They have drafted well, made some good moves and are closer than LA all while keeping the big 3. Playoffs are possible following the same path but LA hasn’t had their picks hit yet.

I think there was probably a mixture of Toews being upset his friends were traded as well as the realization that the front office was throwing in the towel.
Toews and Kane, if they wanted, could have taken less money. Look what Stamkos did.
They chose to get the big bucks and the team hasn't won a real playoff round since.

The Hawks are similar to LA.
They've got Kane and Toews. (though, no Toews for now).
You've got Doughty and Kopitar.
Still great hockey players stuck on mediocre teams, in part because they got paid.

Chicago's done a better job finding players like Kubalik and Panarin and Suter.
Their next wave - featuring Dach, Boqvist, Kurashov, Beaudin, Mitchel and Debrincat - is a little further a long - but the Kings' next wave has higher upside, I think.

 

[SFKingshomer]

I think there was probably a mixture of Toews being upset his friends were traded as well as the realization that the front office was throwing in the towel.
Toews and Kane, if they wanted, could have taken less money. Look what Stamkos did.
They chose to get the big bucks and the team hasn't won a real playoff round since.

The Hawks are similar to LA.
They've got Kane and Toews. (though, no Toews for now).
You've got Doughty and Kopitar.
Still great hockey players stuck on mediocre teams, in part because they got paid.

Chicago's done a better job finding players like Kubalik and Panarin and Suter.
Their next wave - featuring Dach, Boqvist, Kurashov, Beaudin, Mitchel and Debrincat - is a little further a long - but the Kings' next wave has higher upside, I think.

Stamkos probably makes more than Toews and Kane because of the damn tax advantage TB has.