Evidence? So you are saying I need to focus more on tabloid-esque posts like how the org is setting up Clarke for failure so they can return him to juniors? Yah, you are a master example of reasonable discussion...I'll work on it!
I am convinced that Boldy getting to play with Fiala right away supercharged his development. It could be that Boldy was always going to be good, but having a creative guy like Fiala who stretches the ice with his speed and invites linemates to "play" with him can't be a bad thing, unless you are more of a north, south, grinder type.
I'd guess a majority here agree with you, but I personally don't mind Faust. I think he's talented, but I do think he's going to take years to develop his true style, so to speak. I think he's still trying on different styles and personas, and I think most broadcasters don't hit their prime until their 40s and 50s. I like that he's able to broadcast many different sports, and I think it'll eventually make him better at hockey. I'll also say I've been lucky enough to have a beer with him and Nick Nickson, and he's just a solid dude. He hears the criticism, he understands the legacy Bob left, and he's trying to be his own person.
I actually like his voice, but he's a total cheeseball and I find that very annoying.
Yeah, everyone saw the effect of that ice time, especially down the stretch. It was the biggest thing that drove me nuts about TM. But I don't think those few extra minutes per game put the youth back that much, if at all. The development paths for Kupari, Vilardi, and Grundstrom obviously worked for them, even though I think most of the credit should go to the players themselves.
Kopi's last year is going to be interesting, that's a lot of cash freed up. There are a couple of key UFA's in Matthews and Aho that will be available, and the Kings will likely be able to afford either, depending on what happens with Kopi. It's hard to get a read on what Kopitar is planning, can't tell if he plans on pulling a Brown or a Thornton.
I think it’s pretty interesting to see players of similiar archetypes performing very differently. I think it’s pretty obvious that Kupari is much more stronger and filled out than Byfield. That’s not an insult to Byfield. Age plays a factor there for sure. With the way it’s been going for Byfield however I don’t think he’s ready for the NHL game and he’s not comfortable with his size. For example, Brandt Clarke for his scrawny build is a lot more comfortable on the ice than Byfield looks. I think it will help Byfield a lot to be sent down and just train a lot. I can understand the argument to give Byfield better linemates, however I don’t see him being able to come close to Kuparis current game right now on an individual level which is why I think it’s a bit pointless trying to shuffle him around. Byfield is a big kid that doesn’t have that comfort to use his size and that will come with age, however Kupari is already there with using his size and speed.
Whenever I see my notifications are from him I always wonder what hes going to say to now to swoon me.
I completely agree with what you're saying, but with all this talk about developing our rookies it feels like we need a farm system for our broadcasters too.
Worst rom-com ever.Whenever I see my notifications are from him I always wonder what hes going to say to now to swoon me.
I guess this is my complaint above anything. A lot of his added commentary just feels forced, especially the humor.
Further into the season when remaining daily cap hits allow for this (or now if Calgary makes room):
Viktor Arvidsson, RW - 2 yrs @ 4.25M (29 yrs)
+?
Oliver Kylington, LD - 2 yrs @ 2.5M (25 yrs)
+?
It seemed that Kings and Flames fans on the trade board agreed this could be a solid base for both teams' needs. They don't need Kylington as much anymore with Weegar's arrival and likely won't have the cap space to re-sign him. Arvidsson is excellent for us when healthy, but we have reinforcements coming who can mesh alongside Moore-Danault.
Any thoughts? We would likely have to trade or waive someone like Walker to make room in the lineup (or who knows, injuries happen).
