It's not about this at all. It's about changing the leadership, getting rid of the core that doesn't lead, and bringing in some vets who the kids can respect, all while letting the kids play in spots they will be in when the team is competitive again.
As I said, Kopitar's competition for the 1C when he arrived at age 19 was Armstrong. Was that really any competition? Kopitar was handed the job.
I don't see why we should hold back Byfield, Vilardi, Turcotte, etc. for the likes of the vet "leaders" who currently are blocking them on the roster. There is nothing to be gained by keeping these non-leaders on the roster.
Your argument of getting rid of Kopitar for new leadership comes across as disingenuous. Every year, since 2015, you've advocated trading Kopitar. When asked with "who would you replace him with?" It's been, in summary, "anyone but him."
You don't praise players for the leadership they bring. You don't say "this player would be great at starting a new culture."
It's been about trading away Kopitar, get value while you can, and nab a random free agent until the Kings get a pick/prospect back to take over.
So, I'm sorry, I have a hard time believing your intentions are anything but anti-Kopitar.
DL didn't have a Kopitar type of player to trade away. He had Demitra, who was talented, but fell into the mold of "not playing due to hurting rather than not playing due to injury." So, trading away Kopitar as if it's some big-brain move is unwise. Demitra did not fit into the culture despite his talent. Kopitar's shortcomings in leadership isn't an element of being detrimental to the culture.
What "leader" should the Kings bring in? What good does it do to trade away Kopitar if your infrastructure's best product is Tyler Toffoli?
It's silly to think management can try to sell another rebuild after literally just setting playoff expectations. They haven't addressed the fundamental issues with development. And Kopitar's cap hit isn't blocking anyone else from coming in.
If the Kings had a prospect take ownership/lead, and Kopitar were relegated to third line center during this player's ELC, would you be okay with keeping Kopitar on his contract? If the answer is yes, then I'd believe your priority is about leadership. If the answer is no, then frankly that just reinforces what I think matters to you.
If the answer is "that would never happen" then you're blaming Kopitar for organizational shortcomings.
Either way, the Kings need new people to take ownership. And growing pains are to be expected. If Doughty/Kopitar won't buy in, or if they can't play at this level anymore, sure. Go.
But frankly all I see are constant complaints about a player fans are lucky to have and the organization is going to be in a lot of trouble when he's gone. Instead of looking for ways to complement his leadership you hate so much, you just want to get rid of him.
