Speculation: 2021-22 LA Kings News, Rumors, Roster discussion part III

[Reclamation Project]

I just don't see the point of Danault. This guy turned down a 6 year deal from Montreal, he'll be taking a job from one of our prospects for 6 years??? Are they planning to run him as a shutdown winger like Mark Stone? What about Byfield and Turcotte 2-3 years from now? My plan was Byfield/Turcotte/Kopitar down the road.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I just don't see the point of Danault. This guy turned down a 6 year deal from Montreal, he'll be taking a job from one of our prospects for 6 years??? Are they planning to run him as a shutdown winger like Mark Stone? What about Byfield and Turcotte 2-3 years from now? My plan was Byfield/Turcotte/Kopitar down the road.

the guy blackholed the hottest lines in the league and puts up good 5v5 numbers and killer metrics. Which prospect is he blocking from doing that, and why wouldn't you like to see Kopitar's harder minutes reduced? And why wouldn't we run Byfield/Turcotte/kopitar/Danault in your scenario?

I can see disagreeing with it--but there's a very good point behind it.

 

[Chazz Reinhold]

the guy blackholed the hottest lines in the league and puts up good 5v5 numbers and killer metrics. Which prospect is he blocking from doing that, and why wouldn't you like to see Kopitar's harder minutes reduced? And why wouldn't we run Byfield/Turcotte/kopitar/Danault in your scenario?

I can see disagreeing with it--but there's a very good point behind it.

Particularly when you see an example of how a player similar to Kopitar in Bergeron has continued to thrive into his mid-30s with somewhat lessened defensive responsibility and more offensive zone starts.

 

[kinghock]

None of these possible lineups include Tkachyov. Not saying he’s going to be on the first line, but let’s see how his training camp goes. Could be a sleeper for us!

I believe Kings need ASAP to trade or put on waivers Frk, Grundstrom, Lizotte and Wagner.
I like Grundstrom and had high hopes for him, but I do not believe in him anymore…

 

[Cook24]

Per Lebrun

“Not suggesting it means anything in the moment, but interesting that at noon ET Wednesday, when the NHL calendar officially shifts to 2021-22, Johnny Gaudreau has a modified no-trade clause kicking in, a small 5-team list (5 teams he would go to). More control for the player then”

Johnny Hockey anyone? For his last year of his deal if the cost is reasonable…?

 

[kovacro]

Tomas Tatar is interesting. Potential buy low guy coming off a subpar season with the Habs. Not much talk of him rumour wise right now as to possible destinations. Turns 31 in December.

Four undervalued UFAs who could be bargains when free agency opens

 

[Bandit]

Even With AA Deal Close to Final, Kings Could Add a Forward and Make it All Work

I have to admit, nice to see Vilardi on the 3rd line... showed some playmaking with Moore and Andersson last season.

Iafallo – Kopitar – Arvidsson
Kempe – Danault – Brown
Athanasiou – Vilardi – Andersson
Moore – JAD – (Forward 12)
(Forward 13)
(Forward 14)

Tkachyov
Grundstrom
Frk
Wagner
Lemieux
Lizotte

No Byfield for you? Come back one year?

 

[KingsFan7824]

I believe Kings need ASAP to trade or put on waivers Frk, Grundstrom, Lizotte and Wagner.
I like Grundstrom and had high hopes for him, but I do not believe in him anymore…

Every team has their own guys like that. They're not even expiring contracts that take up cap space for Arizona.

Right now, after Seattle and the draft, other than a big trade that shakes up the roster and creates some holes to be filled by another Gagne type free agent, I don't know what more the Kings do.

 

[Steve Zissou]

No Byfield for you? Come back one year?

He's no longer NHL or bust and can play in the AHL.

Having that option is not only good for his development but I'd like to see him develop more chemistry with Fagemo, Turcotte, Kaliyev, etc.

Let's remember... he only turns 19 in a month.

Last season The Reign had a dismal first half of the season (but came back strong). Obviously it was because of a lot of new faces, new coach, and new systems.

 

[Kudelski37]

the guy blackholed the hottest lines in the league and puts up good 5v5 numbers and killer metrics. Which prospect is he blocking from doing that, and why wouldn't you like to see Kopitar's harder minutes reduced? And why wouldn't we run Byfield/Turcotte/kopitar/Danault in your scenario?

I can see disagreeing with it--but there's a very good point behind it.

If the Kings have just 2 of their top center prospects hit their potential, the Kings will be on the hook for 6+ million/year for years for their third or fourth line center. If you want to take defensive responsibilities away from Kopitar, that can be done by getting a cheaper player on a shorter deal that is just a defensive fourth line center.

 

[AlphaBravo]

Yup getting a 2C is a dumb move, unless it is a superstar like Eichel. Maybe it is okay for a one year deal until Byfield, Turcotte, Kupari are fully ready for the NHL, but a 6-year deal would be insane. Where will all of these centers play? Do you convert them to wing? One of the issues with drafting BPA. In theory it is a really good idea, but you may end up like the Kings with a million centers.

 

[Bandit]

He's no longer NHL or bust and can play in the AHL.

Having that option is not only good for his development but I'd like to see him develop more chemistry with Fagemo, Turcotte, Kaliyev, etc.

Let's remember... he only turns 19 in a month.

Last season The Reign had a dismal first half of the season (but came back strong). Obviously it was because of a lot of new faces, new coach, and new systems.

Yeah I agree it's a good option but if he's who we hope he is, he should force his way onto the Kings in very short order, even if he starts in Ontario.

 

[deaderhead28]

the guy blackholed the hottest lines in the league and puts up good 5v5 numbers and killer metrics. Which prospect is he blocking from doing that, and why wouldn't you like to see Kopitar's harder minutes reduced? And why wouldn't we run Byfield/Turcotte/kopitar/Danault in your scenario?

I can see disagreeing with it--but there's a very good point behind it.

I agree on Danault he would be a welcome addition.

 

[deaderhead28]

Yeah I agree it's a good option but if he's who we hope he is, he should force his way onto the Kings in very short order, even if he starts in Ontario.

Byfield should not be starting on the 2nd line regardless.Better to start him on the 3rd this season if he stays up.Then look to put him on the 2nd line the following year and move Danault to 3rd line like the Kings did eventually with Stoll.

 

[Bandit]

Byfield should not be starting on the 2nd line regardless.Better to start him on the 3rd this season if he stays up.Then look to put him on the 2nd line the following year and move Danault to 3rd line like the Kings did eventually with Stoll.

I dunno, Kopitar was pretty much the Kings' #1 center from his first shift. I agree he should not be given anything, but he certainly could earn it.

 

[KingsHockey24]

In other news I wouldn't mind Blake signing James Neal to a PTO.

 

[YP44]

In other news I wouldn't mind Blake signing James Neal to a PTO.

why? we have enough bottom 6 forwards. He would fit in worse than Kovalchuk

 

[KingsHockey24]

why? we have enough bottom 6 forwards. He would fit in worse than Kovalchuk

Competition. It doesn't hurt.

 

[kovacro]

Competition. It doesn't hurt.

James Neal offers no competition to anyone. He's washed.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Byfield should not be starting on the 2nd line regardless.Better to start him on the 3rd this season if he stays up.Then look to put him on the 2nd line the following year and move Danault to 3rd line like the Kings did eventually with Stoll.

Byfield was the 2nd overall pick, not the 22nd. He should be ready to go soon. If he's that much of a project, trade him now. He's already playing under the blanket of Kopitar.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Competition. It doesn't hurt.

They already have upwards of 16 F's that will get a long look. There's no need for Neal, even as training camp fodder.

 

[KingsHockey24]

James Neal offers no competition to anyone. He's washed.

Eh debatable. He had a better points per game than Lizotte, Andersson, and Wagner. Most of our bottom six was pretty terrible and wouldn't be hard to improve upon.

 

[deaderhead28]

Byfield was the 2nd overall pick, not the 22nd. He should be ready to go soon. If he's that much of a project, trade him now. He's already playing under the blanket of Kopitar.

The Kid is 19 and no reason to rush him if he can go the AHL.He needs to start on the 3rd line if he gets any time this season.Bring in Danault to cover the 2nd line, move him to 3rd next season if Byfield is ready,simple solution.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Byfield was the 2nd overall pick, not the 22nd. He should be ready to go soon. If he's that much of a project, trade him now. He's already playing under the blanket of Kopitar.

The plan is that Byfield needs to step up and take Kopitar’s job by playing #1C for the Reign.

 

[Matt13]

I dunno, Kopitar was pretty much the Kings' #1 center from his first shift. I agree he should not be given anything, but he certainly could earn it.

Back then though we didn't have Ontario. So the question comes back, what's the best fit? Personally, I think you can build a Championship team a lot faster in Ontario than you can LA, but these guys will all have the benefit of still being so close the big club. Personally, I would love to see a full sexy smoke show of a team in Ontario for at least a year. I am not sure I trust the veterans on this team anymore to teach the kids how to compete.