Last year., the Kings had the worst second line in the NHL. Vilardi was floundering and not quite ready. Had a very poor 20 game stretch. Carter was moved to wing and was brutal his last 2+ years. Had zero passion. I guess he's gained some of that back. Good for him. I'll take the 3rd and 4th round picks, thanks. He was not going to be effective here, so Blake moved him. AA and Kempe got some games on that line, but that line had zero chemistry and was terrible.
So, a second center was needed. Gabe was not quite ready, or needed to be tried at wing. Having Kopi and Gabe as C 1 and 2, also arguably would be the slowest #1 and #2 center combo in the NHL. I still believe in Gabe and if he gets a another legit chance as a RW, he could excel. (just keep AA and Brown off his line - or better both of them off the ice)
So, there was a hole at 2C. They were not sold on Gabe there and throwing a 19 year old Byfield would not have been good. Kempe was finding his game on wing. It's kind of too bad that he could not have taken 2C. The only real choice was to get a short term 2C, or sign Danault. I would vote Danault as the Kings MVP this year. And the Kings have gone from the worst 2nd line in the NHL, to perhaps the best second line in the NHL. Arvidsson has 30 pts in 40 games - a 60 pt projection. I do not know the last year the Kings had a 60 pt forward, not named Anze. Probably years.
There's no reason that Byfield can't play 3C and have success, IF he's given better wingers and 12 minutes. (putting Byfield on PP 1 or PP2 would get him in 11-12 minutes area) If Moore or Iafallo was slotted there, would help. AI has been a little flat of late, so he could move down. He's a major upgrade to AA or 23 there. Moore-Danault-Arvidsson should stay together. I'd put Arty up with Kopitar - he's playing that good. And move AI to line 3. Lizotte's line could have AA or 23...but i'd sit 23. I'd callup Gabe now and have AI - Byfield - Vilardi as line 3. But we know this won't happen.
