Speculation: 2021-22 LA Kings News, Rumors, Roster Thread Part VI

[Master Yoda]

We had less depth on defense, hence keeping Maata around (he's been playing much better as of late). AA is not part of the future- if we retain 50% on him, some team may be interested. He has no role on this team.

I think AA has some positive value. If we retain, he should fetch a pick.

 

[LAKings88]

Fagemo has that ‘it’ factor. I think given the need on wing he can be a solid contributor. Confidence clearly is there.

 

[Choralone]

Do you honestly think that this is news to me?

Sorry the guy took your post seriously, I guess?

 

[Stimpythecat]

I agree with trading AA. Do him a solid to get him playing time and at the same time, get a future pick in return - not necessarily a 2022 pick. Too many prospects as it is so I want to push that pick out to when the logjam clears.

He's UFA this summer and most likely not coming back.


Maybe consider moving Lias Andersson, too. Too many prospects, not enough spots.

 

[TruKingFan]

I hope they're looking for trade partners to take AA off their hands. He's got zero long term future here and the other players actually in the lineup are showing there's zero short term need for him either. I just really dislike his game. He's a speed merchant with some finishing but every other aspect of his game just doesn't fit with winning hockey. Would you rather see more Turcotte or AA back in the lineup? Eat some of his salary and send him off somewhere for a draft pick.

If a team wanted AA Blake would be glad to oblige even for just the dreaded "future consoderations". He'll be gone soon enough though.

 

[King'sPawn]

If the Kings intend on competing for the playoffs, keeping AA makes the most sense. Injuries happen. Depth helps.

Though waiving him is an option. He can play in Ontario until the playoffs.

 

[kingsfan]

The AA resign has been weird from the start. At this stage he's insurance but he's on a one year deal and has shown he can score in the past. We should be able to fetch a 3rd, maybe a 2nd if we retain some salary.

What seems more likely is a deal where we flip him to fill a need, such as a puckmoving defenseman, with a team that could use more scoring upfront and has some depth to offer up on the backend. Maybe a Yandle/AA swap?

 

[kingsfan28]

How many giveaways?

About 10 less than Kopitar over that span.

 

[LAKings88]

If the Kings intend on competing for the playoffs, keeping AA makes the most sense. Injuries happen. Depth helps.

Though waiving him is an option. He can play in Ontario until the playoffs.

Given all the Covid issues he is just extra backup. He won't be on the team next year.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

About 10 less than Kopitar over that span.

Nice try. He’s got more turnovers than Kopi and Kopi handles the puck 4 times as much.

 

[kingsfan28]

Nice try.

It's the truth. One game I must've counted 5 by Kopi. He was especially stinky vs Nashville. Remember the ex-King that scored on him... his turnover at the blueline started the entire rush. That was one of many. Blame one guy, but turn a blind eye to the other.

 

[bland]

Sorry the guy took your post seriously, I guess?

Replying with remedial level factoids as though they weren't considered is just a waste of time.

Say why you disagree or leave it alone.

 

[bland]

If the Kings intend on competing for the playoffs, keeping AA makes the most sense. Injuries happen. Depth helps.

Though waiving him is an option. He can play in Ontario until the playoffs.

Does it make sense though?

You have 7 young kids fighting for 3 spots, all of whom the organization has an investment in and could most definitely use those minutes in important situations.

Athanasiou has had maybe a dozen very good games in a Kings uniform, but he can't stay healthy and his position in the lineup is ideal for any one of those kids who have already proven they can play here.

I just see him as installing a speed bump in your own driveway.

 

[Trash Panda]

Double-A has gotta go, there is just no reason to dress him.

Modicum of skill, absence of effectiveness.

See ya.

 

[DryIslandBartender]

The AA resign has been weird from the start. At this stage he's insurance but he's on a one year deal and has shown he can score in the past. We should be able to fetch a 3rd, maybe a 2nd if we retain some salary.

I doubt we’ll get anything close to a second or third for AA.

 

[Statto]

I doubt we’ll get anything close to a second or third for AA.

I’d take future considerations and 50% retained. Clearing the roster spot is the priority.

 

[SufferingSelfCreated]

I just love that we are having this "problem". I just f****** love it.

And after that 1-5-1 start,I really didn't think it was headed this direction.

GKG

 

[KingLB]

I’d take future considerations and 50% retained. Clearing the roster spot is the priority.

Why not just waive then? Leave the last retention spot kings have incase they actually need? (Kings still retaining on Carter right?)

 

[DryIslandBartender]

I’d take future considerations and 50% retained. Clearing the roster spot is the priority.

Agreed.

edit: wait I don’t think we retain anything in an expiring contract.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Do you honestly think that this is news to me?

If anyone says waive a player as a move, then yes, I assume it's news to you.

 

[King'sPawn]

Does it make sense though?

You have 7 young kids fighting for 3 spots, all of whom the organization has an investment in and could most definitely use those minutes in important situations.

Athanasiou has had maybe a dozen very good games in a Kings uniform, but he can't stay healthy and his position in the lineup is ideal for any one of those kids who have already proven they can play here.

I just see him as installing a speed bump in your own driveway.

If he would be blocking an actual roster spot, I agree. But right now, the reality is the Kings are competing for the playoffs. If they make the playoffs, having more experience is better in a pinch. To me, it makes less sense to force youth in a roster spot during the playoffs because you don't have any other able bodies - it's just poor planning and mismanagement of depth.

Going forward, they should waive + assign to Ontario. Make use of the current roster spots to rotate the youth and give them experience.

If they struggle in the playoffs, AA can be brought up. Conversely, he can also help Ontario, since a lot of good talent has been called up to the NHL and the AHL team could use success.

Trading him for picks is counterintuitive to organizational direction, as he wouldn't bring much value in a trade.

 

[Trash Panda]

If he would be blocking an actual roster spot, I agree. But right now, the reality is the Kings are competing for the playoffs. If they make the playoffs, having more experience is better in a pinch. To me, it makes less sense to force youth in a roster spot during the playoffs because you don't have any other able bodies - it's just poor planning and mismanagement of depth.

Going forward, they should waive + assign to Ontario. Make use of the current roster spots to rotate the youth and give them experience.

If they struggle in the playoffs, AA can be brought up. Conversely, he can also help Ontario, since a lot of good talent has been called up to the NHL and the AHL team could use success.

Trading him for picks is counterintuitive to organizational direction, as he wouldn't bring much value in a trade.

Normally, I would absolutely agree, but at this point we have far too many options that could be part of the long term plans being held up by his presence. This team isn’t competing for a cup, and any playoff success this year is icing on the cake. We aren’t Tampa.

Waive him, trade him, it doesn’t really matter which. Just can’t justify his spot on the roster anymore, everything else is semantics.

 

[lumbergh]

When Athanasiou has been in the lineup this season he’s been very good. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he plays instead of a rookie (Turcotte or Kupari) when he is cleared.

3 goals in 11 games and +4. That’s much more productive than anyone else on the third line except Brown.

 

[Live in the Now]

When Athanasiou has been in the lineup this season he’s been very good. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he plays instead of a rookie (Turcotte or Kupari) when he is cleared.

3 goals in 11 games and +4. That’s much more productive than anyone else on the third line except Brown.

He should play over Kupari. Very clear to me. And yes, AA is frustrating but we could use his speed. His goals were also at EV, which we need.

 

[tbrown33]

When Athanasiou has been in the lineup this season he’s been very good. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he plays instead of a rookie (Turcotte or Kupari) when he is cleared.

3 goals in 11 games and +4. That’s much more productive than anyone else on the third line except Brown.

not to mention - in that 11 game sample, he is on pace for an ELITE season defensively lol