Kings have done enough trading of their 1st rounders...please no more talk of this it makes them worse...and no way in hell do they get Barzal for the 24th pick...
Don’t think I said they would. I said in a package. Kings are win now no matter what we think or want as fans.
My thoughts.
Kopitar is no longer a 1C, but a solid 2C, and an elite 3C
Byfield is to inconsistent to be a 1C at this point, is a good 2C, and is being wasted if 3C
Danault is perfectly slotted as a 3C
Helenius is much needed at 4C and like Byfield has room to grow.
My goal would to be trade Phil, as I think he would be highly regarded around the league by playoff teams looking for that third line center. He should fetch a pretty good price. Take those assets, recouped and add a few assets of our own and grab a guy like Barzal.
Barzal in my mind is an elite 2C that is possible for long stretches as a 1C.
If you get a guy like Barzal we basically don’t need a first or a second line. We have two major building blocks on each line for a true top six. Barzal and Kempe, Byfield and Fiala. Four very dynamic offensive players for other teams to try and shut down.
Then comes Kopitar flanked by the speedy Foegele and Laf. Two guys that can forcheck with the best in the league and one guy centering them, that is probably the best overall defensive/ offensive hybrid in the last 20 years. Yes he has lost a step, but with those two road runners on his wing, he doesn’t have to be the first one in the zone, can sit back and go to the proper areas as the play develops. It also slots Laf in a spot where he is going to be considered highly effective. I don’t think he’s a top six player, but I think he can be an elite third liner.
As for the fourth line, Helenius is a great start, I really liked Turcotte, but I think he would be going in a deal for a center, and I would want toughness down on that for flying. Tanner or someone like him definitely have to be signed. I would love one heavy hitting forward on that line as well, like a prime, Matt Martin.
I guess that’s my long-winded explanation as to why I think they’ll trade the first round pick. The draft is also in LA. It would be a nice splash on draft day to still get someone young that can upgrade the team for many years.
