Speculation: Another year of this Bluc **** (The 2024-25 season thread)

[AbsentMojo]

Laf is offensively impaired, yet had 12 goals last year....as a rookie.....in his first year pro...

Ok..sure.

The guy is almost 23. 12 goals aint bad.. but, my opinion is based on his overall offensive game.. id say in-zone half court game is very suspect. I give him high marks on the rush carrying the puck and getting his shot off, but making any plays he's about C-.

 

[Steve Zissou]

 

[King'sPawn]

..

He didnt really got a shot in Nashville. He came back to the A and got 43 goals in 50 games (19G on the PP). Thats a least worth a look.. not saying that translates, but it makes you wonder if he couldnt be used as a specialist on PP1 esp since he's a RH.

I'm sorry, but I've just not been overly impressed with him the more I watched, especially since he came to North America.

He's always just been a middle-six player at best in the NHL, and that's if he improved his tenacity, speed, and/or vision.

But it's just more of an issue with the "plan." He was a depth scorer who had to wait until enough scorers got injured or he had to be victim of playing a role of a grinder for which he's not suited. Which is why I, myself, push for more opportunity with the youth.

He simply doesn't bring enough of his one element to make up for the others that are missing. Kaliyev has better shooting technique, power, instincts, and from a playmaking standpoint, understands the players around him better.

I'm all for giving him opportunity in training camp, but if Kopitar and Doughty passing back and forth annoys you, expect Fagemo to do the same with the Powerplay quarterback until it's a perfectly placed pass.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

That relationship with byfield and foegele...wonder if that helped him get here. but that's a cool dynamic for that line.

Edit: Carter George had me misting up, stoked for that kid

 

[johnjm22]

But it's just more of an issue with the "plan." He was a depth scorer who had to wait until enough scorers got injured or he had to be victim of playing a role of a grinder for which he's not suited. Which is why I, myself, push for more opportunity with the youth.

He simply doesn't bring enough of his one element to make up for the others that are missing. Kaliyev has better shooting technique, power, instincts, and from a playmaking standpoint, understands the players around him better.

FWIW, Luc said Kaliyev "isn't understanding the way we play." Then went on to say Fagemo will get a chance and said "It's difficult to do what he (Fagemo) does."

Not sure why he would favor Fagemo over Kaliyev when it's clear who the better player is. Also, giving Fagemo a chance but not putting him on the PP isn't really giving him a chance.

I'm not really sure what "the plan" is. Doesn't sound like there is one.

Personally I'm not expecting anything from Fagemo. But either give him a chance or don't. None of this in-between shit.

 

[Trash Panda]

Having watched Fagemo live in both the NHL pre season and season and also in person in Ontario he just looks average in the show and dominant in the A. Frk 2.0.

I’ve been on this train for years, and he isn’t changing my mind.

Only difference is, I think that moniker is an insult to Frk.

 

[King'sPawn]

FWIW, Luc said Kaliyev "isn't understanding the way we play." Then went on to say Fagemo will get a chance and said "It's difficult to do what he (Fagemo) does."

And that's fair. I'm certainly an idiot at some times and on some things. It's possible I'm one here too. While I can't speak on Kaliyev's level of understanding in the system, as I haven't spoken with him, I think Kaliyev brings more to the table skills-wise.

I disagree with the sentiment that it's difficult to do what Fagemo does for an average (or even below average) NHLer. Difficult for my old, lazy ass? Sure.

I know Luc's statements don't reflect yours. But I'm okay with saying I disagree with Luc, even if it makes me look stupid.

 

[AbsentMojo]

..

FWIW, Luc said Kaliyev "isn't understanding the way we play." [..]

That to me is a sign of intelligence. I bet he'd say the same thing about Vilardi.. anyone w talent bristles at the rigidity of the Blukoala genius system

 

[johnjm22]

And that's fair. I'm certainly an idiot at some times and on some things. It's possible I'm one here too. While I can't speak on Kaliyev's level of understanding in the system, as I haven't spoken with him, I think Kaliyev brings more to the table skills-wise.

I disagree with the sentiment that it's difficult to do what Fagemo does for an average (or even below average) NHLer. Difficult for my old, lazy ass? Sure.

I know Luc's statements don't reflect yours. But I'm okay with saying I disagree with Luc, even if it makes me look stupid.

You're too nice KP.

There's posters on this board whose player evaluations I would trust over Luc Robitaille's any day. That includes yours.

I was just giving perspective on what the organization might think.

That to me is a sign of intelligence. I bet he'd say the same thing about Vilardi.

I agree. It doesn't mean much. It's just a generic criticism. It's more speculation than anything.

It'd be like putting an enforcer in a scoring role and saying "he doesn't understand the way we play." No shit.

 

[KingsHockey24]

My guess is Drew Doughty comes back on December 28th against Edmonton; the first game back home after a long road-trip.

So he'll end up playing around 50 games this regular season.

 

[Statto]

And that's fair. I'm certainly an idiot at some times and on some things. It's possible I'm one here too. While I can't speak on Kaliyev's level of understanding in the system, as I haven't spoken with him, I think Kaliyev brings more to the table skills-wise.

I disagree with the sentiment that it's difficult to do what Fagemo does for an average (or even below average) NHLer. Difficult for my old, lazy ass? Sure.

I know Luc's statements don't reflect yours. But I'm okay with saying I disagree with Luc, even if it makes me look stupid.

I think he’s just pumping Fagemo’s tyres. My issue with his quote is burying Kaliyev.

 

[fsanford]

I am hoping

My guess is Drew Doughty comes back on December 28th against Edmonton; the first game back home after a long road-trip.

So he'll end up playing around 50 games this regular season.

Doughty only playing 50 games may be a fountain of youth moment for rest of season.

 

[Schrute farms]

Sorry, but i'm taking the 'under' on games played by DD this year.

 

[CarlSneep]

Kind of a weird question but I added the Kings Apple calendar to my phone about 8-9 years ago and every year it’s automatically updated with all their games so I can keep track of when to put my little wiener kids to bed early so I can watch. This year it hasn’t updated. Is this just me?

 

[kingsholygrail]

We won't have normal Doughty this year. Even after he returns, it's going to be a while before he's back up to speed.