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

[cyclones22]

Danault would be a 3C. He'd slot into the Cup Era Jarret Stoll role. 16+ minutes of shutdown work on the PK and defensive zone starts. I wouldn't be opposed to it.

 

[BigKing]

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.

Turcotte is not expected to contribute at the NHL level this season and will lose a year off of his ELC so he'll only have two seasons to earn a big contract. What kind of cap hit are we expecting on Vilardi's second contract next summer? Kupari has two seasons to earn a big contract and he isn't a sure thing for this season.

The real answer is not all of these guys will be on the Kings. Why sign Handzus when you've already got 1st round C picks in Kopitar, Boyle and Lewis and you just spent a 2nd on Moller? Then you trade for Stoll before you eventually trade Boyle.

There is an element of "sure thing" with Danault so maybe you grab it under the idea of one in the hand is worth two in the bush. He then makes some of these center prospects more disposable in a trade to shore up other areas. Moving to wing will work for one or two of them as well.

I agree that six years is tough. He won't take four unless the AAV is way higher. I could settle for a five year. The trio of Byfield/Turcotte/Kaliyev will all be RFAs with Danault having one year left on his deal if he takes a five year. Kopitar's $10MM falls off at the same time those three are RFAs.

 

[Bandit]

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.

I mean yes we only had Manchester but Kopitar scored 20 goals and 61 points in his first season. He absolutely belonged. Again I'm not sugge4sting Byfield be given anything, he has to earn it, but as 2OA he certainly could do just that.

 

[deaderhead28]

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.

Neal will be 34 years old in September,its a pass.With only like 3 or 4 spots open,I like to see one of the kids get one.

 

[Piston]

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.

I think you are missing the point of the Danault signing, which I hope occurs. Not only does PD potentially extend Kopitar's career, bringing him immediately makes Turcotte expendable- he can be the center piece for a deal to get the LD we want. Ironically, Colorado drafted Byrum and needs a center, and we need a LD and will have great depth at center. Finally, I've heard a lot of complaints about the team needing more character. Based on what I saw in the playoffs, PD supplies that element.

 

[Reclamation Project]

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.

He'll be a 4C a couple years from now at 5-6 per? I'm all for lowering Kopitar's workload especially because I think he can be a productive player until 40, but I'm thinking 3-4 years down the road. Just seems pointless long term to sign an almost 30 year center to an extended deal when we have multiple ones ready in the next 2-3 years. I'd love to sign Danault for something like 4x4 though just to troll the shit out of Montreal.

 

[Matt13]

Danault signing in LA.......yeah, riiiiiight!

 

[DoktorJeep]

Nothing inflates a players value more than being on TV in Canada. Look at what’s being thrown around in the Hyman rumors. Some teams will convince themselves it’s a great idea to give Danault a 7 year deal. I put the odds at <10% that the Kings are one of those teams.

 

[KingsFan7824]

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.

19, but the 2nd overall pick. If he's ready in 22-23? He better be ready by then. He has to be challenging for the lead in team scoring.. How many 2nd overall picks do you have to wait 3 years for? Good ones, not busts.

 

[AlphaBravo]

Turcotte is not expected to contribute at the NHL level this season and will lose a year off of his ELC so he'll only have two seasons to earn a big contract. What kind of cap hit are we expecting on Vilardi's second contract next summer? Kupari has two seasons to earn a big contract and he isn't a sure thing for this season.

The real answer is not all of these guys will be on the Kings. Why sign Handzus when you've already got 1st round C picks in Kopitar, Boyle and Lewis and you just spent a 2nd on Moller? Then you trade for Stoll before you eventually trade Boyle.

There is an element of "sure thing" with Danault so maybe you grab it under the idea of one in the hand is worth two in the bush. He then makes some of these center prospects more disposable in a trade to shore up other areas. Moving to wing will work for one or two of them as well.

I agree that six years is tough. He won't take four unless the AAV is way higher. I could settle for a five year. The trio of Byfield/Turcotte/Kaliyev will all be RFAs with Danault having one year left on his deal if he takes a five year. Kopitar's $10MM falls off at the same time those three are RFAs.

I agree with your assessment if he signs a short-term deal. I would rather have Byfield, Turcotte, Kupari play another season in the AHL and really be ready, instead of rushing them in. But if he is going to be around for a long-term, then it will block a chance for us to see what we have on C. From what I understand, Turcotte plays a strong two-way game and would be ideal on the third line, with Byfield being the eventual 1 or 2 C. Or down the road, Kopitar will become the 3C, with Byfield and Turcotte filling the 1/2C roles. The point is signing Danault to a long term deal could hamper our ability to utilize all of these centers we drafted.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Kings getting a shutdown center who can't score would be the most Kings thing ever. Every lose will be a 1-0 game.

 

[BigKing]

He'll be a 4C a couple years from now at 5-6 per? I'm all for lowering Kopitar's workload especially because I think he can be a productive player until 40, but I'm thinking 3-4 years down the road. Just seems pointless long term to sign an almost 30 year center to an extended deal when we have multiple ones ready in the next 2-3 years. I'd love to sign Danault for something like 4x4 though just to troll the shit out of Montreal.

He would lower Kopitar's work load immediately, something that needs to happen if we want Kopitar to pace at a Bergeron level as he continues to age.

Probably not a flat cap for the duration of the deal as well. They can afford it but, yeah, it is a question of is it the right use of the money? One thing for sure is that not all of these center prospects will be centers in the NHL, future Kings or even regular NHL players. Cup winners generally have a large amount of 1st round picks on the team and this would be another guy with that pedigree.

 

[deaderhead28]

19, but the 2nd overall pick. If he's ready in 22-23? He better be ready by then. He has to be challenging for the lead in team scoring.. How many 2nd overall picks do you have to wait 3 years for? Good ones, not busts.

Sorry my mistake,Byfield is only 18 right now and next month turns 19.I wouldn't count a covid year as a true year of development.Kings seem to not want to rush Byfield this year to start off the season due to being able to work with him in the AHL.If he was ready, Kings would pencil him in,I don't think he's ready either.

 

[BigKing]

I agree with your assessment if he signs a short-term deal. I would rather have Byfield, Turcotte, Kupari play another season in the AHL and really be ready, instead of rushing them in. But if he is going to be around for a long-term, then it will block a chance for us to see what we have on C. From what I understand, Turcotte plays a strong two-way game and would be ideal on the third line, with Byfield being the eventual 1 or 2 C. Or down the road, Kopitar will become the 3C, with Byfield and Turcotte filling the 1/2C roles. The point is signing Danault to a long term deal could hamper our ability to utilize all of these centers we drafted.

Sure, but Turcotte also gets hurt every time he falls down. He could be a high-end trade piece for something that is more of a hole in the organization than center and you plug a hole on the NHL roster with a known quantity in Danault.

I'm not completely advocating for it but I understand it. This team is supposed to be turning a corner this upcoming season and Danault is a guy that would really help. We can joke about the Kings being able to play defense but not score: that's living in the past because the current group of forwards can't score or play defense, for the most part.

I'm not going to sneeze at 24 points in 53 games with zero power play points. That would have put him 2nd on the Kings for even strength scoring behind only Kopitar. 53% on face-offs. 76 hits would have been 4th amongst Kings forwards.

 

[KingsFan7824]

He would lower Kopitar's work load immediately, something that needs to happen if we want Kopitar to pace at a Bergeron level as he continues to age.

Probably not a flat cap for the duration of the deal as well. They can afford it but, yeah, it is a question of is it the right use of the money? One thing for sure is that not all of these center prospects will be centers in the NHL, future Kings or even regular NHL players. Cup winners generally have a large amount of 1st round picks on the team and this would be another guy with that pedigree.

They can lower Kopitar's ice time without giving out a huge UFA contract. They could've been doing it for years, especially while the team has been putrid, but chose not to.

I'm a for them improving the team, I'm pro-Arvidsson trade, but I'm just not seeing what more they do. Just because the mayor says it can work, how exactly? No details beyond they'll just waive this or that guy. There just aren't that many guys in the AHL making NHL money.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Might as well just bring back Nate Thompson if we want a shutdown center that can win draws.

 

[Kudelski37]

I think you are missing the point of the Danault signing, which I hope occurs. Not only does PD potentially extend Kopitar's career, bringing him immediately makes Turcotte expendable- he can be the center piece for a deal to get the LD we want. Ironically, Colorado drafted Byrum and needs a center, and we need a LD and will have great depth at center. Finally, I've heard a lot of complaints about the team needing more character. Based on what I saw in the playoffs, PD supplies that element.

If you are worried about LD, the Kings can try to sign Mike Reilly for half the term and aav that Danault turned down from Montreal.

What years do you think would Danault earn his contract with the Kings? Let's assume at least the 6x6 contract that he turned down although it would probably have a higher aav or an extra year for LA to sign him. I think he would be the 2c this coming year and maybe part of the following season. I think he would get passed by Vilardi, Turcotte, and/or Byfield in 22 or 23 and would no longer earn his contract. That contract then becomes an anchor and prevents the Kings from getting what they need to contend.

 

[BigKing]

They can lower Kopitar's ice time without giving out a huge UFA contract. They could've been doing it for years, especially while the team has been putrid, but chose not to.

I'm a for them improving the team, I'm pro-Arvidsson trade, but I'm just not seeing what more they do. Just because the mayor says it can work, how exactly? No details beyond they'll just waive this or that guy. There just aren't that many guys in the AHL making NHL money.

For starters, I'm not saying the money works because of Hoven. As it relates to Kopitar, you know better than anyone that coaches can't help themselves so they continue to run Kopitar and Doughty out there with stupid minutes because they don't feel they have better options.

Assuming Danault and AA:

11/23/Arvi/19/9/12/13/22/28/Danault

That's 10 "for sure" on the ice guys. I then need two more on the ice out of 48/27/46/91/Russian Guy. Couldn't I carry four of these clowns, seven defenseman and the two goalies and be compliant under a 23 man roster? If the Russian guy doesn't cut it, he goes back to the KHL. I agree you don't want to pay NHL salaries in the AHL but they could just suck it up, hope they get claimed or try to flip someone for nothing. Let's face it: if you can't grab a bottom forward spot on this team than maybe it just isn't happening for you.

With Byfield not having to be in the NHL, they could start the season with no Ontario graduates and let this thing play out with the eventual injuries or whatnot.

 

[SFKingshomer]

LA doesn't need another decent forward. They need to trade their excess forwards and move some assets for a legit top 6 forward and a top defenseman. Signing another UFA forward does nothing but add to an already packed forward group.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Spending massive amounts of cash to try and extend Kopitar's career is a waste. You might as well just get a cheap d first C and have him eat into Kopitar's PK mins.
If you are going to pay up on a guy it had better be for different reasons. It's got to be a true impact player.

 

[BigKing]

If you are worried about LD, the Kings can try to sign Mike Reilly for half the term and aav that Danault turned down from Montreal.

What years do you think would Danault earn his contract with the Kings? Let's assume at least the 6x6 contract that he turned down although it would probably have a higher aav or an extra year for LA to sign him. I think he would be the 2c this coming year and maybe part of the following season. I think he would get passed by Vilardi, Turcotte, and/or Byfield in 22 or 23 and would no longer earn his contract. That contract then becomes an anchor and prevents the Kings from getting what they need to contend.

I get it, but are all three of Vilardi/Turcotte/Byfield going to be 45 even strength point guys while winning 54% of draws with Kopitar also on the team? Again, Danault's points are basically all even strength which is pretty impressive. Regardless, if he is still winning faceoffs and playing shut down D at a high level, he can co-exist with Byfield and whichever other young centers make the team: he'll make their lives easier.

This team signed Handzus and Stoll to contracts that accounted for 14% of the cap knowing that a Kopitar extension was coming down the road. Handzus contract as a percentage of the cap is very similar to what $6MM to Danault would be. He was older too and coming off an ACL tear. Now, Handzus was a four year deal which is why I like five instead of six for Danault.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Kings getting a shutdown center who can't score would be the most Kings thing ever. Every lose will be a 1-0 game.

Terry Murray hockey is back!

 

[BigKing]

LA doesn't need another decent forward. They need to trade their excess forwards and move some assets for a legit top 6 forward and a top defenseman. Signing another UFA forward does nothing but add to an already packed forward group.

Doesn't need another decent forward but needs a legit Top 6 forward?

Danault is currently better than every forward on the roster not named Kopitar.

The "packed forward group" is a pack of shit. It's only packed at the bottom and who really cares if any of them stay? Any one of these exposed forwards could have been lost in the expansion draft and nobody would have batted much of an eye. That means that they aren't worth anything and will eventually shake themselves out.

 

[SFKingshomer]

Doesn't need another decent forward but needs a legit Top 6 forward?

Danault is currently better than every forward on the roster not named Kopitar.

The "packed forward group" is a pack of shit. It's only packed at the bottom and who really cares if any of them stay? Any one of these exposed forwards could have been lost in the expansion draft and nobody would have batted much of an eye. That means that they aren't worth anything and will eventually shake themselves out.

I'm just saying it has to be someone better than what they have and they have to move 4-5 forwards because they aren't eligible to be sent down. There's literally no more room for middle 6 or bottom 6 guys.

 

[funky]

In the what if world:

Sign Danault long term at 5.5. frees up another center prospect to trade to Buffalo.

we end up

Eichel
Kopitar
Danault
JAD

27 mil of if cap space tied up in centers. In a non cap world that would be a sexy move but in a cap work it would be hell.

For the next few years am looking forward to

Kopitar
Byfield
Vilardi
JAD

12.5 million in a cap work.

spend money on Defence.