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

[KopitarGOAT420]

Anyone know if Kaliyev is coming back soon? It's been about 7 weeks since Kyle Burroughs took his lunch money. I'm curious what will happen if and when Turcotte and Kaliyev return to the roster. Both were on the ice in red jerseys as of Friday.

I've been wondering about this too. I saw something recently on Twitter about Hiller saying Kaliyev was still "a ways away" from being ready to play (can't find the exact tweet sadly) but it creates a really interesting scenario - when Kaliyev and Turcotte are both ready to play again.

Turcotte - Kopitar - Kempe
Moore - Danault - Fiala
Foegele - Byfield - Laferriere
Lee - Helenius/Lewis - Thomas/Jeannot

I've been trying to figure out where Kaliyev would/could fit (assuming the Kings actually do decide to get him in some games which obviously isn't a guarantee) and it's really tough to find a spot for him.

I liked Moore - Danault - Kaliyev when we saw it last year - but then where do you put Fiala? I could also see Kaliyev potentially being successful with Kopitar and Kempe (and he probably has more offensive upside than Turcotte does), but that would require this Kings coaching staff to actually say "hey lets give Arty a shot on the top line" and its hard to imagine that ever happening at this point lol. Maybe Arty could play well with Byfield.. But that's been a strong line for the Kings and would cause more lineup shuffling.

Its tough because the Kings could use a little offensive boost - especially on the 2nd PP unit. But there really doesn't seem to be a great spot for him. If I had to guess, he'll end up sitting in the press box even when he's healthy before ultimately being added to some trade deadline deal as a throw in. Pretty unfortunate - Seems like yet another example of really poor asset management from Blake & Co.

 

[Surf Nutz]

I've been wondering about this too. I saw something recently on Twitter about Hiller saying Kaliyev was still "a ways away" from being ready to play (can't find the exact tweet sadly) but it creates a really interesting scenario - when Kaliyev and Turcotte are both ready to play again.

Turcotte - Kopitar - Kempe
Moore - Danault - Fiala
Foegele - Byfield - Laferriere
Lee - Helenius/Lewis - Thomas/Jeannot

I've been trying to figure out where Kaliyev would/could fit (assuming the Kings actually do decide to get him in some games which obviously isn't a guarantee) and it's really tough to find a spot for him.

I liked Moore - Danault - Kaliyev when we saw it last year - but then where do you put Fiala? I could also see Kaliyev potentially being successful with Kopitar and Kempe (and he probably has more offensive upside than Turcotte does), but that would require this Kings coaching staff to actually say "hey lets give Arty a shot on the top line" and its hard to imagine that ever happening at this point lol. Maybe Arty could play well with Byfield.. But that's been a strong line for the Kings and would cause more lineup shuffling.

Its tough because the Kings could use a little offensive boost - especially on the 2nd PP unit. But there really doesn't seem to be a great spot for him. If I had to guess, he'll end up sitting in the press box even when he's healthy before ultimately being added to some trade deadline deal as a throw in. Pretty unfortunate - Seems like yet another example of really poor asset management from Blake & Co.

Kaliyev is going to Reign twice.

1. Injury rehab.
2. regular waiver and I don't think we need to worry about a claim either way.

We have Laferriere now and Turcotte when he comes back.

Hell Akil has done more in a short time.

 

[chris kontos]

Kaliyev's issues with playing time could have been completely centered with pos todd maclellan. So thats one angle where he could be given a shot.
If he cant replace jennault, he better start practicing his russian language skills

 

[lumbergh]

I've been wondering about this too. I saw something recently on Twitter about Hiller saying Kaliyev was still "a ways away" from being ready to play (can't find the exact tweet sadly) but it creates a really interesting scenario - when Kaliyev and Turcotte are both ready to play again.

Turcotte - Kopitar - Kempe
Moore - Danault - Fiala
Foegele - Byfield - Laferriere
Lee - Helenius/Lewis - Thomas/Jeannot

I've been trying to figure out where Kaliyev would/could fit (assuming the Kings actually do decide to get him in some games which obviously isn't a guarantee) and it's really tough to find a spot for him.

I liked Moore - Danault - Kaliyev when we saw it last year - but then where do you put Fiala? I could also see Kaliyev potentially being successful with Kopitar and Kempe (and he probably has more offensive upside than Turcotte does), but that would require this Kings coaching staff to actually say "hey lets give Arty a shot on the top line" and its hard to imagine that ever happening at this point lol. Maybe Arty could play well with Byfield.. But that's been a strong line for the Kings and would cause more lineup shuffling.

Its tough because the Kings could use a little offensive boost - especially on the 2nd PP unit. But there really doesn't seem to be a great spot for him. If I had to guess, he'll end up sitting in the press box even when he's healthy before ultimately being added to some trade deadline deal as a throw in. Pretty unfortunate - Seems like yet another example of really poor asset management from Blake & Co.

I think Hiller could in principle go:

Fiala-Kopitar-Kempe
Moore-Danault-Kaliyev
Foegele-Byfield-Laferriere
Jeannot-Turcotte/Thomas-Lewis

Lee and Helenius would go to Ontario. I doubt this would happen. Hard to imaging Kaliyev being given a spot in the top 9 at this point. He'll probably sit in the press box until there's an injury.

 

[kingsfan28]

Lewis was so good Saturday, he got promoted to the top line again.

 

[FSL KINGS]

I just saw that Gabe Vilardi has 6 g 7 a in 15 games this season. DuTwat has 1 g 7 a in 14 games.

Vilardi was off to a terrible start. Looks like he's in the getting hot stage now. Guess what stage comes next? Yup! The bitching about being roughed up by Lizzie stage. Then the forgetting about Vilardi stage.

We've seen this before.

Kaliyev's issues with playing time could have been completely centered with pos todd maclellan. So thats one angle where he could be given a shot.
If he cant replace jennault, he better start practicing his russian language skills

Fagemo was overlooked when there were injuries. Why do we think Kaliyev will get more than a handful of games before being waived? King's like bottom 6 grinders up front.

Edit: I'm really down on Turcotte. He absolutely has the ability to play at the NHL level. He just gets lit up every few games for having his head down. King's can't put him in an important position on the roster because of future injuries.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Hiller had chances to play Kaliyev last season and he declined to use him over guys like JAD and Grundstrom...its hard to tell where his game is at now. Early last season he just did not look good, took way too long to get his shots off and I was down on him myself. My guess is, he was ostracized by Todd the clodd rightly or wrongly and his mental frame is f-d. Now he gets even more adversity with his collar bone.. its hard to believe he could overcome all that and break into the lineup. It will probably have to be an injury. If it were me, and my PP was stuck in the 20s like it is now, I might gave him 4th line minutes and PP1 duties in a one time spot..to see if I could at least create some video that might earn a pick in the worst case and ignite the PP in the best case.

 

[lumbergh]

Hiller had chances to play Kaliyev last season and he declined to use him over guys like JAD and Grundstrom...its hard to tell where his game is at now. Early last season he just did not look good, took way too long to get his shots off and I was down on him myself. My guess is, he was ostracized by Todd the clodd rightly or wrongly and his mental frame is f-d. Now he gets even more adversity with his collar bone.. its hard to believe he could overcome all that and break into the lineup. It will probably have to be an injury. If it were me, and my PP was stuck in the 20s like it is now, I might gave him 4th line minutes and PP1 duties in a one time spot..to see if I could at least create some video that might earn a pick in the worst case and ignite the PP in the best case.

Hiller went 11 forwards and 7 D to avoid playing Kaliyev last season, if I recall. Being that he has had no chance to redeem himself, I don't see how his situation has improved in any way.

 

[johnjm22]

Kaliyev's TOI under Hiller last few months of 23/24.

 

[bland]

I wouldn't read too much into what happened with Kaliyev last year as a predictor for what will happen when he is healthy.

Last year Kaliyev separated himself from the team and was handled accordingly. If he came back, made amends, and was looking for a fresh start it is highly unlikely that he would be disciplined in the same manner.

 

[FSL KINGS]

King's managed Spence 4th round & Lee 7th round in the 2019 draft with 4 picks in the first two rounds.

Blake has to go.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Laferriere is doing what everyone expected to get from Kaliyev.

 

[funky]

Hoven was on Jesse’s pod that aired earlier today. He figured Kaliyev is still a month away.

 

[johnjm22]

King's managed Spence 4th round & Lee 7th round in the 2019 draft with 4 picks in the first two rounds.

Blake has to go.

If Blake/Luc get fired, I hope we keep our amateur scouting staff.

I like their picks a lot of the time.

A GM is more likely to influence the 1st round picks than the later round picks.

 

[Bandit]

Hoven was on Jesse’s pod that aired earlier today. He figured Kaliyev is still a month away.

From being traded.

 

[MonkeysUncle]

would pass if its max deal. lots of LHD ufa available in 2025

Would like tosee Kirsanov signed and over here

If Blake/Luc get fired, I hope we keep our amateur scouting staff.

I like their picks a lot of the time.

A GM is more likely to influence the 1st round picks than the later round picks.

Dont see that happening as ownership is to hands off, unless completely misses playoffs

 

[Surf Nutz]

You wanna see Kaliyev better gets some new tires.

Lot of drives to Ontario

 

[kingsholygrail]

From being traded.

Schrodinger's Kaliyev.

 

[NikF]

I think the Kings can deal both Kopitar and Doughty in offseason and not miss a beat, probably even get better. Byfield needs to be given time and opportunity to center the top line and match-uo against other top centers. There will be growing pains but it will be an opportunity tilo develop his offensive confidence and determination on a shift by shift basis in a role he was drafted for. Clarke I think will get there naturally. Handing over the team to the kids would give the franchise a much needed energy boost as well as improve its long-term potential. The short term impact of possibly missing the playoffs is overstated, another high pick would not hurt in the long run if anything (on top of the assets you'd get for Kopitar and Doughty). But I don't think this team would even be noticeably worse without them. Fiala also needs to be dealt, his flash and points vastly inflate his value beyond his actual on-ice impact. Of course this is just a thought, it's harder to just deal players like Kopitar and Doughty but I'm sure it would be achievable if the ownership/management makes clear that this is direction they want.

 

[Schrute farms]

I think the Kings can deal both Kopitar and Doughty in offseason and not miss a beat, probably even get better. Byfield needs to be given time and opportunity to center the top line and match-uo against other top centers. There will be growing pains but it will be an opportunity tilo develop his offensive confidence and determination on a shift by shift basis in a role he was drafted for. Clarke I think will get there naturally. Handing over the team to the kids would give the franchise a much needed energy boost as well as improve its long-term potential. The short term impact of possibly missing the playoffs is overstated, another high pick would not hurt in the long run if anything (on top of the assets you'd get for Kopitar and Doughty). But I don't think this team would even be noticeably worse without them. Fiala also needs to be dealt, his flash and points vastly inflate his value beyond his actual on-ice impact. Of course this is just a thought, it's harder to just deal players like Kopitar and Doughty but I'm sure it would be achievable if the ownership/management makes clear that this is direction they want.

99.99% true. 0.01% chance of actually happening

 

[Herby]

There will be growing pains

I agree with what you said, but this part really is something else.

The guy is a 22 year old, in his fifth year of pro hockey after being a #2 pick in the draft, and we are still talking about "growing pains"

It just shows you how horribly he was developed by this team. These growing pains should have been dealt with years ago, specifically full seasons of NHL games playing C at age 18 and 19.

It's almost like there is a reason nobody develops players like this...

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I agree with what you said, but this part really is something else.

The guy is a 22 year old, in his fifth year of pro hockey after being a #2 pick in the draft, and we are still talking about "growing pains"

It just shows you how horribly he was developed by this team. These growing pains should have been dealt with years ago, specifically full seasons of NHL games playing C at age 18 and 19.

It's almost like there is a reason nobody develops players like this...

It's almost like Byfield's career started of healthy as a horse.....oh wait....

His 2nd year, age 19.....40 NHL games...2 months on IR for an ankle fracture....seems like they would have slated him to play a full NHL season to me....

 

[Herby]

It's almost like Byfield's career started of healthy as a horse.....oh wait....

His 2nd year, age 19.....40 NHL games...2 months on IR for an ankle fracture....seems like they would have slated him to play a full NHL season to me....

Healthy enough to play 59 AHL games over three seasons, which is 59 more than he would have played had he gone a pick before or a pick after.

Those are 59 games where he could have been centering a line in the NHL. Instead he is 22 years old, in his D+5 as a #2 overall pick and we still have to use words like "Growing Pains"

And then when they finally did put him in the NHL, it's on a faux contending team and instead of letting him go through all the growing pains he should have gone through years before, he is put at winger because a "contending" team can't afford to have a player going through growing pains at a C.

But I know, Rob Blake right, the rest of the league all wrong.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Healthy enough to play 59 AHL games over three seasons, which is 59 more than he would have played had he gone a pick before or a pick after.

Those are 59 games where he could have been centering a line in the NHL. Instead he is 22 years old, in his D+5 as a #2 overall pick and we still have to use words like "Growing Pains"

And then when they finally did put him in the NHL, it's on a faux contending team and instead of letting him go through all the growing pains he should have gone through years before, he is put at winger because a "contending" team can't afford to have a player going through growing pains at a C.

But I know, Rob Blake right, the rest of the league all wrong.

Again, YOU said - These growing pains should have been dealt with years ago, specifically full seasons of NHL games playing C at age 18 and 19.

They DID slate him to play a full season at AGE 19....injuries happened....and you gloss over them like they don't matter in any kind of development strategy.

Shane Wright, #4OA, has more AHL games in less pro seasons...but yea, rest of the league does it your way...
Marco Kasper #10OA has more AHL games
Edvinsson #6 OA has more AHL games
Nemec #2 OA more AHL games
Holzt #7OA more AHL games

Yea, Blake is the only one.

 

[YP44]

What the hell is Lewis doing on the top line last night. Embarrassing.

He has been a pleasant surprise for me in a fourth line role but come on. Kopitar is no speed wagon and then you put Lewis there and expect anything out of Kempe.

Moore-Kopitar-Kempe
Foeggle-QB-Laf
Fiala-Danault-Lee/Thomas

That's the top 9 that I would currently construct. Maybe