Speculation: 2025 TDL Discussion

[BaileyFan]

I guess what Im saying is if you are going to pretend to contend, then at least do some of the fun things like a deadline move or 2. Of course the wiser side of me is glad they are standing pat and maybe the charade is just external at this point.

They’re standing pat…so that they can play Kopitar 25 minutes a night next year and Doughty 30 minutes a night the next two years. It’s not like they’re going to switch gears into a rebuild, it’ll just be kicking the can down the road while the clock ticks on Byfield and Clarke’s UFA status.

If that’s what we have to look forward to then it’s not worth it. Just sell the kids now in a dumb trade for Marchand and at least make the Oilers break a sweat a little bit. Then we’ll get a proper blowup and full scale rebuild sooner.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

 

[Docgonzo]

Must be because of the lack of faith in this team/front office but this deadline feels odd. I didn’t want Mikko, but he was a player I’d be understandable of the high payment. But with what’s left, it’s just kind of meh.

If they were reasonably cheap I’d take Boeser, Marchand, Marchessault or Peterka. But I don’t think any of them would be cheap and the only one I might be willing to spend on is Peterka due to his age.

It does seem it’d be wiser to sell more than buy but the thought of how awful the team would be after selling scares me. Plus Blake and Co can’t be allowed another draft/development.

 

[FSL KINGS]

Blake trying to trade for Savard by 2pm.

 

[unicornpig]

I shouldnt have written FA - because I was more thinking players wanted to come here..e.g. Richards, Carter and Gaborik all waived NTC/NMC to come here.

richards didn't waive his NMC didnt kick in till the following year, carter did to get out of columbus and and to play with his bff. gaborik got a chance to chase a cup

 

[unicornpig]

1st round pick and a midget for a signed rantanen, jesus christ

 

[Peter James Bond III]

Replying to Peter James Bond:

As far as I know Kopitar, Brown and Quick were drafted under Al Murray who then went on to Tampa Bay where he had an enormous amount of success. But that's a different story to explore.

I don't know who exactly the Kings scouts are year to year over the last 20 years and the staff listings you find online aren't always 100% reliable (whether they list part-time scouts or not etc.), in fact now I can't even find the staff listing directory for Kings.

However my impression was that the Kings Euro scouting was never that strong under Lombardi as far as priorities. I don't think it is that strong today although I think they've added some scouts there, I think in the early years under Lombardi it was a very small scouting staff and very limited in Europe but I'm going off memory. I've already said in past that I don't think the Kings Euro scouting really is that great and I'd imagine there isn't anything near as close of a strong push for Europe-based players as some teams have. Not that there is something inherently wrong there, not everyone has to be Detroit.

As for their picks from Europe, it seems they favor toolsy guys (size or skating) with supposed high floor and compete level. They rarely seem interested in taking raw skilled projects with good IQ.

From the years I was scouting Europe heavily, I think their bad picks from Europe were Sodergran, Nousiainen and Kupari. Sodergran was a big kid with a decent shot but limited upside. I don't see a lot of logic to drafting limited players out of Europe with late picks. Nousiainen was a small D with good compete, but that's it. He wasn't an elite skater, he didn't have exceptional IQ and he was not exceptionally skilled. Defensemen with that profile just don't make it to NHL. Kupari... I've already said I dislike the pick the moment it was made, he was not a first rounder on our board. He had decent skill with good skating and size but average IQ at best, didn't understand the Kempe comparisons at all as Kempe had decent IQ, the only similiarity was size and skating. Fagemo was overdrafted by a round probably, a midsized winger with compete and ok mobility and high volume shooter but not much else and an overager.

If you look at their picks out of Europe they rarely use a pick on a skilled high IQ project, which is usually the type of pick you would expect to see out of Europe. The only two (partial) exceptions to this were probably Shafigulin (skill) and Moverare (IQ), again in the years I did heavy scouting.

Apparently Lias Andersson was high on their board if I remember correctly and they acquired him later from NYR. We saw his upside as a 3rd line forward and ranked him 7th in Europe (not 7th overall as he went), felt he was overrated in North America. We had Pavel Dorofeyev as a late 1st round value pick (he went in 3rd round). He's a clear example of a high IQ skill guy who was very raw and is doing pretty good for Vegas nowadays. We had Fagemo as late 3rd round value which I think in retrospect is about right. We didn't have Kupari in the first round and reading I think on Mayor's website pre-draft that they're leaning Kupari or Lundestrom among others...I was perplexed by that because neither guy had better than 3rd line upside. And I know at 20th pick you're probably most often not going to get more than that...but still, I miss some high upside picks out of Europe, they just don't make them much if at all. I'm not going to speak for their NA scouting as I haven't tracked NA players as closely (we did Europe only).

I think the scouting staff prioritizes probably the typical Kings player that they can develop and have a history of developing. From the Euro perspective, I don't think they seem to have much of an interest in high skill raw players that don't have clear projections to Kings hockey (yet), and in my opinion they tend to overvalue limited but role-projectable ones.

NikF,
So much appreciated for your thorough response. Your knowledge is vast, to even know info on how the Kings seem to operate and for your views on their picks.
They seem to really like USHL players of late and of course., Laferriere is a hit.
It seems Kenny Connors will get a contract next month, but others, Jack Hughes, Jared Wright?
Not sure. I would think they would have more interest in Europeans in early rounds and not try
7th round for a Sodergran...Jamsen seems to have talent. Will have to see how he progresses.

Do you have an opinion on Otto Salin? It seems he's put up good numbers this year.
Did you have an opinion on Bjornfot in 2019? I recall watching picks drop and I had about 10 written down
(not really knowing how to rank them and had Kaliyev and McMichael on that list....too bad they didn't take McMichael. Kirill Kirsanov finally made it over to LA last Summer for a few days. His first time over.
They said he was nursing a knee / lower body inj and couldn't skate. It seems they may be signing him to come over...but I noticed he dropped down from the KHL. I wonder if that has to do that he told them he's not going to sign again and sign with LA. ?

Appreciate your posts!

 

[Peter James Bond III]

Word is, Stankoven is in the package, going to the Canes for Rantanen.

There are now rumors NYR have offered a #1, #2, Kreider and Berard for Peterka alone and were turned down. It's a sellers market, for sure...especially when i saw the cost of Brock Nelson...holy smokes.

Seen Laughton, Ristolainen (makes no sense, unless both Clarke and Spence got there...lol and Konecny, Foerster, Tippett attached to that...or Laughton) and a Boston beat writer said the Kings called on Geekie last month. He's scored 3 last 2 games and now with 22....pacing for 29. He's not crap. But the possible interesting twist, Hoven posted hours ago "how about Charlie Coyle coming back to LA, where he was drafted in 2010.
Ok. Well, he does have contacts and I don't think they tell him exaxts...but he seems to get names at draft time: 'look at these players that the Kings may have interested...on day 2" and lists about 10...and then lo and behold, 1 of them is taken. They seem to give him a basket of possibilities....but when it come to deals, Kings are tight lipped. Maybe someone told him a few names to look for in a deal and he's throwing that out.

Poking around X, I found some info that Boston is looking to deal him, to be out of his (next) last yr of 5.2M.
He's 33 and on hole 15 of the 18 hole hockey golf course...does not move the needle so much...but he has 15 goals, which is nothing to laugh about on this Kings team. Maybe depth and third line reinforcement. Gawd knows Kopi has been slowing. What the angle MAY be, is ok, we take Coyle and do you a favor for cap next yr, but we're taking Geekie as well (2M this yr and RFA Summer) Geekie can pay RW or C.

Now, if you can do Geekie + Coyle for Spence + #2 2026 + ? Moore ? or middle prospect,
not a bad deal. Being a sellers market, I would expect they want a #1 + Spence.

Armia still linked to Kings...not sure anyone is giving a #2 for him, but could see the Kings going #3 2025,
and #5 2026 or something like that. Yes, the Kings are seemingly not contending, but if they think they may catch some lightning in a bottle...and a few have monster round 1s, a player like Armia helps a lot.
You're not going to win, throwing Lewis and Jeannot out there 5-7 mintutes.

Buffalo - with so many rumored - Cozens, Byram, Greenway, Power, Tuch...and Kevyn Adams not doig anything - yet. Teams now calling on Peterka. I don't think they will move him. He honestly has the ability to be their best player in 2 yrs...over Tage. I say offer sheet him! I'm not sure they could match...but Kings will not have that kind of cap room.

Blake Friday presser at 12:30 PM . And Saturday at Crypto, is FanFest day at 1:30.
Would be cool to have a new King there for fans and for said player(s) to meet the most passionate fans.

I HOPE the media is KEEN enough to know players like Connors, Salin, Kirsanov, Hughes (yukk) and Wright can sign this or next month and ask about them...and maybe Conmy come out, after 2 yrs?
I can see Blake (empty handed or with Charlie Coyle prize) talk up Greentree , George, Woolley, Slukynsky, Ziemmer...but that's more of a Luc thing to overhype talk.


GO KINGS GO?

 

[BringTheReign]

1st round pick and a midget for a signed rantanen, jesus christ

Dundon is gonna fire Tulsky if that's all they get (but Dundon is a big part of the problem in attracting and keeping talent). They already have to feel pretty dumb trying to nickel and dime Guentzel watching how incredible he's been for Tampa (and Team USA) this season.

 

[Chazz Reinhold]

Those seem to be saying slightly different things but it sounds like Rantanen to Dallas isn't a done deal yet.

 

[FSL KINGS]

Word is, Stankoven is in the package, going to the Canes for Rantanen.

There are now rumors NYR have offered a #1, #2, Kreider and Berard for Peterka alone and were turned down. It's a sellers market, for sure...especially when i saw the cost of Brock Nelson...holy smokes.

Seen Laughton, Ristolainen (makes no sense, unless both Clarke and Spence got there...lol and Konecny, Foerster, Tippett attached to that...or Laughton) and a Boston beat writer said the Kings called on Geekie last month. He's scored 3 last 2 games and now with 22....pacing for 29. He's not crap. But the possible interesting twist, Hoven posted hours ago "how about Charlie Coyle coming back to LA, where he was drafted in 2010.
Ok. Well, he does have contacts and I don't think they tell him exaxts...but he seems to get names at draft time: 'look at these players that the Kings may have interested...on day 2" and lists about 10...and then lo and behold, 1 of them is taken. They seem to give him a basket of possibilities....but when it come to deals, Kings are tight lipped. Maybe someone told him a few names to look for in a deal and he's throwing that out.

Poking around X, I found some info that Boston is looking to deal him, to be out of his (next) last yr of 5.2M.
He's 33 and on hole 15 of the 18 hole hockey golf course...does not move the needle so much...but he has 15 goals, which is nothing to laugh about on this Kings team. Maybe depth and third line reinforcement. Gawd knows Kopi has been slowing. What the angle MAY be, is ok, we take Coyle and do you a favor for cap next yr, but we're taking Geekie as well (2M this yr and RFA Summer) Geekie can pay RW or C.

Now, if you can do Geekie + Coyle for Spence + #2 2026 + ? Moore ? or middle prospect,
not a bad deal. Being a sellers market, I would expect they want a #1 + Spence.

Armia still linked to Kings...not sure anyone is giving a #2 for him, but could see the Kings going #3 2025,
and #5 2026 or something like that. Yes, the Kings are seemingly not contending, but if they think they may catch some lightning in a bottle...and a few have monster round 1s, a player like Armia helps a lot.
You're not going to win, throwing Lewis and Jeannot out there 5-7 mintutes.

Buffalo - with so many rumored - Cozens, Byram, Greenway, Power, Tuch...and Kevyn Adams not doig anything - yet. Teams now calling on Peterka. I don't think they will move him. He honestly has the ability to be their best player in 2 yrs...over Tage. I say offer sheet him! I'm not sure they could match...but Kings will not have that kind of cap room.

Blake Friday presser at 12:30 PM . And Saturday at Crypto, is FanFest day at 1:30.
Would be cool to have a new King there for fans and for said player(s) to meet the most passionate fans.

I HOPE the media is KEEN enough to know players like Connors, Salin, Kirsanov, Hughes (yukk) and Wright can sign this or next month and ask about them...and maybe Conmy come out, after 2 yrs?
I can see Blake (empty handed or with Charlie Coyle prize) talk up Greentree , George, Woolley, Slukynsky, Ziemmer...but that's more of a Luc thing to overhype talk.


GO KINGS GO?

Not really a fan of the 33 year olds. King's need to get younger players if they make acquisitions. They are probably a few years out from possibly being competitive. (If everything goes right) Kings need to find a goalie & burn off a few contracts. Older players won't be around for that

Cozens, was looking at highlights. The guy seems to get into fights and punched in the face by guys he shouldn't be fighting. I'd avoid him. Don't need a skilled 7M player fighting & losing by KO to Hathaway.

 

[kingsfan28]

Those seem to be saying slightly different things but it sounds like Rantanen to Dallas isn't a done deal yet.

Probably something to do with the reported 14mil AAV he's asking.

 

[Kingsfan1]

but seriously, if i'm Blake, the best thing to do would be nothing

i'd take my chances by dropping to 8th and face the Jets

Potentially winning the series and the false hope that'll go with it

Blake is fighting for his job he has been GM for 8 years and has less than 10 playoff games won , he is going to make a move but unfortunately Dallas and Colorado look scary and both have stacked ridiculous teams especially Dallas and I don’t see us getting past anyone unless Blake goes big and bold which im hoping he does .

If he trades for Rakell i hope he also grabs Novak and EK @ 50% retained would be nice maybe Clarke , Moore + ? Or if he trades Clarke i also hope its for one of Buffalo’s young studs idk i guess we will see but i think he is going to grab Palmieri and another center n we will lose in 5 games again and Luc n Blake will be gone

 

[FSL KINGS]

Probably something to do with the reported 14mil AAV he's asking.

Now the question, does Rantanen want 12 & Vgk, Dal, Fla or 14 & King's. Actual contenders may not have that money. Those are also low tax states though. Blake might have to go 15 to compete.



Come on Philly. I'm literally the only person that is interested in Risto, well Torts.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

We've seen this movie before though

song and dance about liking the team we have, staying put at the deadline

Goes into offseason, trades Clarke Greentree and a 1st for Kirby Dach and Jayden Struble, re-signs Dach to 8x8

Are we talking Leafs or Buffalo firsts? You'd have to for Buffalo firsts. Late first for Blake to take guys like Björnfot & Kaliyev, nah. Not worth the pain. Just enjoy a King's legend.


Risto & Laughton
Or
Savard retained
Spence & Moore for JJ
Dump Doughty anywhere
Burroughs on the next Starship

Burroughs to SpaceX is one I can get behind

Seeing that news about Risto and Laughton has me going out to buy Depends

 

[kovacro]

Now the question, does Rantanen want 12 & Vgk, Dal, Fla or 14 & King's. Actual contenders may not have that money. Those are also low tax states though. Blake might have to go 15 to compete.



Come on Philly. I'm literally the only person that is interested in Risto, well Torts.

Risto has been solid this season, nice rebound year from him after a tough 2023/24. Not surprised by the ask from Philly and they will get it or very close to it.

 

[kovacro]

Be interested to see if Marchand (pending UFA - modified NTC) gets dealt. Would believe he's more likely to end up in the Western Conference somewhere. Maybe Dallas, if the Rantanen deal does not go ahead or Vegas.

Colorado has made about a half dozen trades, they could be in the mix too.

 

[FSL KINGS]

We've seen this movie before though

song and dance about liking the team we have, staying put at the deadline

Goes into offseason, trades Clarke Greentree and a 1st for Kirby Dach and Jayden Struble, re-signs Dach to 8x8



Burroughs to SpaceX is one I can get behind

Seeing that news about Risto and Laughton has me going out to buy Depends

I'm not expecting much. King's really need a center & game changer. Those may be available in the off-season, or at least a chance to get one. If they add more cap now, it'll be hard to take a shot this off-season. Still not a given. Everyone is looking for a deal on top 6 centers.

Rantanen is interesting. Blake may be the only one that will pay his ask. So a 5% chance.

 

[tigermask48]

I don't like that this is how I feel today is going to go...

 

[Fat Elvis]

Read on NHL trade rumors that LA is indeed shopping Clarke. If this is accurate, I'm done until BLucGervin is escorted out of the building. F-ing clown show running my favorite team. MFers

 

[funky]

Looks like Buffalo traded Cozens plus to Ottawa for possibly Norris and JBD

 

[RocketKing]

Which is seriously nothing to look forward to FML. The Blake Train Wreck continues…..

After striking out on Rantanen, Blake has to be looking to save his butt with a trade now

 

[RocketKing]

Massive F up if that’s true, not because he’s a great player today but because he could be great in a few years in the AHL. Voynov had 3 and a half years there and when he stepped in he was actually ready.

Read on NHL trade rumors that LA is indeed shopping Clarke. If this is accurate, I'm done until BLucGervin is escorted out of the building. F-ing clown show running my favorite team. MFers

 

[kovacro]

Looks like Buffalo traded Cozens plus to Ottawa for possibly Norris and JBD

Cozens needed a change of scenery.

Beauvillier to Washington for a 2nd round pick. That seems like a steep price, but it is deadline day.

 

[funky]

If we were smart Doughty, Gav, Danault would all be asked to waive their NTC’s and we would be grabbing as much NHL ready youth and picks possible. Cozens would look great with Byfield and Fiala.

Now Cozens will look great with Stutzle