Speculation: 2025 TDL Discussion

[KopitarGOAT420]

With the Kings rolling and only about 2 months until this year's trade deadline, I figured it could be fun to start a thread designated to trade deadline related topics.

Can discuss any rumors, mock trades, potential trade targets, real trades as they happen, etc.

So how are we feeling Kings fans??

Do we think the Kings should go all in at the deadline and add a big name? Or maybe just play it safe and add a depth piece or two? Would you be comfortable with the Kings trading yet another 1st round pick if it was for a significant upgrade to the roster? Who are some players you'd like the Kings to target? Should they still be sellers at the deadline because they're destined to lose to EDM in round 1 yet again? Is adding a scoring winger more important than solidifying the goaltending situation? Are you concerned with the Kings making a big change given how strong the team's chemistry seems to be?

To start us off, I'll say my biggest trade target for the Kings: C/RW Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres.

I think adding a player like Tuch could definitely push the Kings over the edge come playoff time. He's a big body at 6'4, a right shot forward who can score, and a great skater especially for his size. Essentially the perfect player to add for a playoff push. He could play on any of the top 3 lines and would also help on the powerplay. He's also only 28 years old and has a great cap hit for this season and next. The price would be high but I think it's a price you'd have to be willing to pay if you're the Kings (assuming Buffalo is willing to listen to offers of course).

If I was Blake, I'd be willing to part ways with a roster player (likely Moore or Fiala), the Kings' 2026 1st round pick, and a prospect to try to get it done. It would be a steep price... But you have to give to get and getting Tuch would be massive for the Kings.

Click to read more...

 

[DoktorJeep]

Josh Anderson at 33% retained for Spence plus a B prospect like Chromiak or Pinelli. He’s big and a RW. And guess who signed him to his last deal.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

With the Kings rolling and only about 2 months until this year's trade deadline, I figured it could be fun to start a thread designated to trade deadline related topics.

Can discuss any rumors, mock trades, potential trade targets, real trades as they happen, etc.

So how are we feeling Kings fans??

Do we think the Kings should go all in at the deadline and add a big name? Or maybe just play it safe and add a depth piece or two? Would you be comfortable with the Kings trading yet another 1st round pick if it was for a significant upgrade to the roster? Who are some players you'd like the Kings to target? Should they still be sellers at the deadline because they're destined to lose to EDM in round 1 yet again? Is adding a scoring winger more important than solidifying the goaltending situation? Are you concerned with the Kings making a big change given how strong the team's chemistry seems to be?

To start us off, I'll say my biggest trade target for the Kings: C/RW Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres.

I think adding a player like Tuch could definitely push the Kings over the edge come playoff time. He's a big body at 6'4, a right shot forward who can score, and a great skater especially for his size. Essentially the perfect player to add for a playoff push. He could play on any of the top 3 lines and would also help on the powerplay. He's also only 28 years old and has a great cap hit for this season and next. The price would be high but I think it's a price you'd have to be willing to pay if you're the Kings (assuming Buffalo is willing to listen to offers of course).

If I was Blake, I'd be willing to part ways with a roster player (likely Moore or Fiala), the Kings' 2026 1st round pick, and a prospect to try to get it done. It would be a steep price... But you have to give to get and getting Tuch would be massive for the Kings.

Yah, I’m sure Fiala would be happy to waive his NMC to go to Buffalo! lol, you guys are hilarious.

 

[tny760]

sign vaunted sniper arthur kaliyev to put us over the top

 

[johnjm22]

When I talked to Luc this Summer I asked if they would be buyers if the team was doing well. He said yes.

I think you can expect that a move will be made.

Biggest need is a true top line winger IMO. Preferably right shot. You can't rely on Turcotte to stay healthy, and Moore has been having some issues as well.

Goalie might also be a need. Depends on if you think Kuemper can continue playing well.

 

[johnjm22]

Yah, I’m sure Fiala would be happy to waive his NMC to go to Buffalo! lol, you guys are hilarious.

I don't think it's impossible that he gets traded. Guys with NMCs will waive it if the situation isn't working out. But I agree there's no way he waives for Buffalo.

As much as I would like to see him gone, it's pretty unlikely.

 

[Sol]

this whole Fiala bashing obsession is kinda getting out of hand. Kinda weird. At the end of the day he’s still by far the most talented winger on the team and he alone adds a dynamic the Kings don’t have. If a single winger hampers a team that much defensively then I think that says a lot more about the other 4 players on the ice then it does for the winger.

 

[BaileyFan]

I don't think it's impossible that he gets traded. Guys with NMCs will waive it if the situation isn't working out. But I agree there's no way he waives for Buffalo.

As much as I would like to see him gone, it's pretty unlikely.

According to him Fiala is the elusive top line winger we’re missing lmao.

 

[Jungle Boy]

Blake needs to balance the fowards and stop losing assets for nothing. Just watched Florida x Colorado first period and Toby was having a good game.

 

[LeftKinger]

Brock Nelson might be worth a look if the price isn’t crazy. Good goal scorer, leader, and a UFA at seasons end. I’d be down for a Miller/Fiala swap and we can throw in a pick. I feel like he’d be the cherry on top in terms of toughness and he can score goals. B bucks fans say he’s butt on the PK but he wouldn’t even have to PK on this team.

I actually can’t really say what the Kings need until Doughty is back and the PP rotation is similar to previous years.

 

[King'sPawn]

this whole Fiala bashing obsession is kinda getting out of hand. Kinda weird. At the end of the day he’s still by far the most talented winger on the team and he alone adds a dynamic the Kings don’t have. If a single winger hampers a team that much defensively then I think that says a lot more about the other 4 players on the ice then it does for the winger.

He's the highest paid forward, and until Doughty returns, the highest paid player. He's also in his prime age. He has the second-highest percentage of offensive faceoff zone starts among forwards. He's second in even strength ice time among forwards.

Keeping all those details in mind, he's 9th among forwards in even strength points - closer to Jeannot for 10th than Turcotte at 8th. He's 6 even strength points behind Moore, who you keep insisting sucks and offers nothing. Despite averaging the most power play ice time in the league and being an offensive specialist, he's still tied with 37 year-old defensive forward Kopitar in power play points.

There have certainly been overstated deficiencies, but just because he brings dynamism to the team doesn't mean the sum of the parts have been acceptable.

 

[LeftKinger]

this whole Fiala bashing obsession is kinda getting out of hand. Kinda weird. At the end of the day he’s still by far the most talented winger on the team and he alone adds a dynamic the Kings don’t have. If a single winger hampers a team that much defensively then I think that says a lot more about the other 4 players on the ice then it does for the winger.

It’s more about consistency, making the right play at the right time. Your teammates and coaches counting on you to not take a bad penalty or turn the puck over at a crucial moment. Fiala simply tries to do too much at times and also tends to show a lack of situational awareness, i.e., a random lazy back check, missed assignment, a spinorama turnover when the Kings have momentum. I’m not insinuating that he’s lazy, but these things happens often with Fiala.

I think the flaws in his game have become more glaring as the seasons have gone on. With the Kings playing a pretty clean and structured game this year, and Fiala’s lack of production, his errors have been magnified. I’d be fine with dealing him in the right deal but I’m also ok with him on the team.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Blake needs to balance the fowards and stop losing assets for nothing. Just watched Florida x Colorado first period and Toby was having a good game.

Course he is, 1 period, 4 games played, he's literally only playing because of injuries....that's not an asset, that's a stop gap.

 

[Mcsorley47]

Let’s not trade away our 1st this year. We’re getting thin with prospects.

 

[kingsboy11]

Just don't trade away Greentree.

Fiala is not getting trade midseason. Full stop.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Blake needs to balance the fowards and stop losing assets for nothing. Just watched Florida x Colorado first period and Toby was having a good game.

Well...that aged well.

 

[Omni Owl]

this whole Fiala bashing obsession is kinda getting out of hand. Kinda weird. At the end of the day he’s still by far the most talented winger on the team and he alone adds a dynamic the Kings don’t have. If a single winger hampers a team that much defensively then I think that says a lot more about the other 4 players on the ice then it does for the winger.

That'd be Kempe, not Fiala.

 

[Rick Knickleback]

this whole Fiala bashing obsession is kinda getting out of hand. Kinda weird. At the end of the day he’s still by far the most talented winger on the team and he alone adds a dynamic the Kings don’t have. If a single winger hampers a team that much defensively then I think that says a lot more about the other 4 players on the ice then it does for the winger.

I don't think he will be traded for reasons mentioned by JJM and others, and I'm not sure he should be, especially because the return might be suspect, but he's not in any case more talented than Kempe, certainly not "by far." His talents are mostly flash, but without the elite skill of a Gaborik or Palffy's guile.

 

[Sybil227]

Just thinking about trades...

About 2-3 weeks ago, I was suggesting to my hockey buddies the idea of a trade: Laine for Byfield, straight-up. Byfield has a LOT more long-term potential, but if we think THIS is our window: That this is our chance to get Kopi & Doughty 1 more cup, then we need scoring NOW - and Laine was red-hot coming back from injury. It's trading the future for right now. But if now is the time, do it.
Of course, THANKFULLY, Byfield has finally starting scoring, so this trade won't happen (and I'm glad about that). But if Byfield had not started to score, I think this might be the kind of trade we'd be looking at.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Fiala, Kaliyev talk is out of hand.

Blake lost assets to competition and players that remained progressing and fostering team success.

Need to wait until as close but not too close to deadline and see if any major cogs get injured.

Otherwise I said it last week, an upgrade in goal instead of riding an overperforming veteran against the Edmonton Groundhogs may be a lesson learned.

The way Vegas is playing is also a concern maybe the way is to hold those picks and prospects.

Look at Spence's D, Laferriere , Turcotte this year.

However Blake's job security may force his hand to make a move.

The French Connection can also f things up or at least add to pressure.

Wait and see, monitor.

 

[BigBrown]

I definitely feel better about adding something this year as opposed to last season.

I still don't see them beating the Oilers, so they shouldn't waste prime assets on rentals. Add a long term fit, if possible.

 

[BringTheReign]

I definitely feel better about adding something this year as opposed to last season.

I still don't see them beating the Oilers, so they shouldn't waste prime assets on rentals. Add a long term fit, if possible.

I think the Oilers are much more vulnerable in their bottom six this year. Draisaitl/McDavid still makes them the favorites in a series, but I think the bottom of their roster is weaker/slower whereas ours has improved.

For me, it doesn't matter if it's a forward or a defenseman, the need is the same. We need a big body who can skate and facilitate offense in transition. In terms of the best guys likely to be available that fit that bill, I think Nelson and Kreider upfront and Provorov and Matheson on the backend are who I'd like to see.

Bottom line, we need players who can give it right back when a team like Edmonton falters crossing the blueline or turns it over low in the zone. We had way too much sitting back last year. The team did a better job countering way back in the '21-'22 series.

 

[FSL KINGS]

Needs,
Top line player with good shot. Too much cap.
Middle 6 upgrade.
3rd pair physicality.
More of a long term fit than rental
Trade Gavrikov if not resigning

Blake, Luc believe they're right there.

 

[Fat Elvis]

Team is playing well, not perfect, but well. Winning.
Would like to see how the team plays when 8 comes back before addressing the teams' "needs"
A lot can happen in 2 months, but I definitely agree with starting the conversations.

 

[bmr]

With the Kings rolling and only about 2 months until this year's trade deadline, I figured it could be fun to start a thread designated to trade deadline related topics.

Can discuss any rumors, mock trades, potential trade targets, real trades as they happen, etc.

So how are we feeling Kings fans??

Do we think the Kings should go all in at the deadline and add a big name? Or maybe just play it safe and add a depth piece or two? Would you be comfortable with the Kings trading yet another 1st round pick if it was for a significant upgrade to the roster? Who are some players you'd like the Kings to target? Should they still be sellers at the deadline because they're destined to lose to EDM in round 1 yet again? Is adding a scoring winger more important than solidifying the goaltending situation? Are you concerned with the Kings making a big change given how strong the team's chemistry seems to be?

To start us off, I'll say my biggest trade target for the Kings: C/RW Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres.

I think adding a player like Tuch could definitely push the Kings over the edge come playoff time. He's a big body at 6'4, a right shot forward who can score, and a great skater especially for his size. Essentially the perfect player to add for a playoff push. He could play on any of the top 3 lines and would also help on the powerplay. He's also only 28 years old and has a great cap hit for this season and next. The price would be high but I think it's a price you'd have to be willing to pay if you're the Kings (assuming Buffalo is willing to listen to offers of course).

If I was Blake, I'd be willing to part ways with a roster player (likely Moore or Fiala), the Kings' 2026 1st round pick, and a prospect to try to get it done. It would be a steep price... But you have to give to get and getting Tuch would be massive for the Kings.

Would love to have Tuch on the Kings. Not sure what the asking price would be or if the Sabres are even willing to entertain this. I've seen rumblings that the Rangers have inquired about him and also the potential for returning to the Knights.

I think the Oilers are much more vulnerable in their bottom six this year. Draisaitl/McDavid still makes them the favorites in a series, but I think the bottom of their roster is weaker/slower whereas ours has improved.

For me, it doesn't matter if it's a forward or a defenseman, the need is the same. We need a big body who can skate and facilitate offense in transition. In terms of the best guys likely to be available that fit that bill, I think Nelson and Kreider upfront and Provorov and Matheson on the backend are who I'd like to see.

Bottom line, we need players who can give it right back when a team like Edmonton falters crossing the blueline or turns it over low in the zone. We had way too much sitting back last year. The team did a better job countering way back in the '21-'22 series.

Agreed. I don't think any of us anticipated a Kings team that probably has the best balance out of the last 3-4 years. We're faster, stronger, more balanced on the defensive end and have a good goaltending tandem. I think we could give a lot of teams trouble in the playoffs. I think the key thing we are missing is a gamebreaking scorer that we can rely on for the PP and in critical moments. That's where guys like McDavid and Draisaitl earn their money. Kempe does that for us, and to some extent Kopitar...but i'm not sure we can rely on Q and Fiala to pick up the slack.

I would not be in favor of trading Greentree, but if we could package our 1st and a guy like Moore to get a player like Tuch or similar, I'd be in favor of that.