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

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I think he could save the Kings and turn this ship around.
 
All The Kings Men said:
Hey woah...

what did I say?
Click to expand...

The line you gave is very real about billionaires having their own agendas and interests. However if they don’t give a f*** why should we.

It wasn’t a f*** you to you personally it was a collective comment saying that if they don’t give a shit the fans aren’t happy then f*** them too.

The organization is 100% a fraternity right now and everyone in charge watches everyone else’s back. They are there to make money and be in charge. If they don’t win they say park and ride.

What business in the world can you operate like that. If I had performances like the kings front office in my businesses for the last 8 years; I would have been out of business 7.5 years ago.

They are unrelateable, arrogant, and entitled.

If you failed to reach your goals as a team employee for 8 years how long ago would you have been fired.

They tell us their goal is to win the Stanley cup. What I am saying is their goal is obviously not based on winning hockey games it’s on making money. However when they make the fans promises it’s all about winning hockey games.

They get our money and that’s enough! They have just been in power long enough that their cards are on the table. Everything Dean Lombardi brought to this team was wholesale changed out for the Toronto maple leafs blueprint. So why hide it!
 
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Gist of the exit interviews as I interpreted them for those that don't want to watch:

Universal Overall:
  • The locker room culture was the best it had been in a long time, they really thought they had something special and that they could go all the way this year and they believed it more than the previous 3-4 years, this loss hurt more than the others by far, and they alluded to several players changing their games to play a team game and more defense - a lot attributed this to Hiller.
  • A lot had nice things to say about Blake as a person behind the scenes.
  • Several (particularly Anderson and Doughty) talked about instinctively or it being "human nature" to play more defensively with the lead late, but that the direction and conversation was always to try to keep moving forward offensively and likened it to the Blues meltdown last night.

Kopi and Dewy:
  • Kopi hasn't thought about or is ready to announce retirement after next season.
  • Drew is going to start physio early for his ankle which wasn't 100% at any point in the season and is going do strength training in the offseason to be 100%.
  • Past years they thought they might be able to win, but this year they wholeheartedly believed it and were hurt more by this loss. The team was as tight and bought in as they could be.
  • Doughty was naturally happy to have a lot of ice time to get back from the injury and admitted that he would have done the same playing 15 minutes it would have just taken longer, but said that he never wants to play just 15 minutes which made Kopi laugh.
  • Felt they "pissed it away".
  • Thought the failure rested with the players over coaching staff or management.
Fiala and Danault:
  • Fiala alluded to making big changes to his game this season, sort of insinuating that Hiller and coaching staff got him to play a more complete game that is more team-centric than individualistic goals and for personal stats. He admitted that playing more defensively-minded is harder but he is proud of his work, especially in the last 20 games or so, and wishes to continue the trend. (I am interpreting a little, but it was heavily implied and many players mentioned that coaching got "certain" players to play more for the team. I think it was obvious that Fiala was the primary person in mind and his interview screamed self-improvement.)
  • Fiala is also starting to feel older in the league and wants to try to win and be more of a leader driving in that direction.
  • Danault admitted to working with the coaching staff to try to get out of the doghouse and still carve out a role which helped both him and Fiala turn it around.
  • Danault admitted to being gassed after overtime in Game 4, which affected Game 5.
Trevor Lewis and Kuemper:
  • Lewis made it clear that he feels great and intends to play next season, but did say he will "see what's out there." Hopefully, that alludes to the writing being on the wall to having to find another team...
  • Kuemper said that he feels great and is confident he can replicate his season.
  • He attributed Buckley to learning more about what his faults and strengths were and working with him this year to get him firing on all cylinders.
  • Kuemper admitted that holding a lead against McDrai is just different than all other players and teams.

Kempe and Moore:
  • Kempe thinks he has 2-3 more years at peak performance.
  • * (Most interesting one for me)* Kempe said he felt fine and not tired during the series, but admitted that playing only three lines throughout practically the whole series was tough, more guys/lines should have been played, and it would have been hard to go further in the playoffs doing that. He likened it to Edmonton overusing McDrai against them constantly and then them fizzling out and failing in later rounds.
  • Moore said that Hiller got the most out of the guys thus far, pushed certain players to really play a more team game.
  • Moore, when asked what Hiller needed to improve upon, said "just experience".
  • Both said they are 100% healthy after both the season and playoffs.
  • Kempe earnestly said he loves it here and wants to be with the Kings "as long as possible" and alluded to hoping a contract gets done this offseason or early next season. He said the sooner the better so that it isn't thought of as a distraction.
Foegele and Edmundson:
  • Edmundson said he hasn't been healthy the past few seasons and credits getting healthy this year to regain his game and confidence and that he really liked working with Clarke.
  • Foegele said he wasn't offered a contract by Edmonton and the series was more personal for him and was a little more disappointed in the loss because he feels the Kings are a better team.
  • Games 3 & 4 hit the team the hardest which led to Game 5 being their worst.
Gavrikov and Kuzmenko:
  • Gavy made a joke that he is "here for now" while being at the presser, but that he is not in a rush and has plenty of time to make a decision which kind of sounds like he is open to testing free agency, they pressed him on his recent agency change to CAA with Pat Brisson which he brushed off as he "just needed a change in direction."
  • Kuzmenko said he has the same answer as Gavy "we'll see...".
  • Gavy made an interesting joke/point that he feels he can play on the powerplay.
  • Kuzmenko said that he liked the organization, fit, and recognized the chance they gave him but he will keep his options open as hockey is business.
  • Kuzmenko when asked about his ice time diminishing in the playoffs said that he doesn't care of it drops as long as its for the team winning.
Byfield and Anderson:
  • Byfield feels that consistency is a main focus for him to improve upon and fix.
  • Anderson feels this is the best team he's ever been a part of and the biggest change was players used to go out there to win but didn't care how they got it done, but now care about wanting to perform for each other and not let each other down.
  • Byfield said he will be thinking about his last play in Game 4 for the rest of the summer and feels he let the team down. He didn't want to ice the puck and felt he could handle it and get it out.
  • Anderson mentioned not having Jeannot and the toughness when they needed it.
  • Anderson also mentioned Spence and Clarke didn't "get as many opportunities as they probably deserved."
Jeannot and Laffy:
  • Jeannot said he had a groin injury and was trying to get back, and took it hard that he couldn't get out there for the playoffs, as he said he was close to coming back. Felt the timing couldn't have been worse as things were clicking and wanted to "prove his value" to the team.
  • Laffy mentioned getting used to the length of the seasons. Felt things weren't going his way later in the year, and while he wanted to keep up his scoring,g he made it a point that he feels he is effective in all other aspects of the game without scoring and didn't want to lose that.
  • Laffy said he hasn't really thought about the contract much, it is his first time and he is going to be relying on his family and agents mainly.
  • Jeannot said his family liked his year in LA and that they will see what the offseason brings.
Spence and Clarke (Interesting that this was the longest interview):
  • Spence was candid that he felt he had more to give and to not contribute as much in the playoffs for himself was unfortunate. Said it was team first but also mentioned that he wants to win just as much as the other guys and he tries to do the best with what the coaches give him. (Clarke was nodding affirmingly throughout)
  • Spence said that he thought he earned the trust of the coaches during the regular season and that it was hard to have such a big dropoff of ice time in the playoffs.
  • Clarke said he likes being thrown in the deep end and put into situations where you don't know how it is going to work out and feels confident in himself to take on those challenges. He acknowledged he didn't have as big of a role in the playoffs that he did in the regular season and wants to take on a greater role with the team moving forward while also being a good teammate.
  • Clarke recognized that the playoffs are different and that the other team is now doing things to affect you in other games as well as the one you're playing, but feels he handled it well and wants to be out there for the big moments.
  • Clarke was asked about being scratched as the 7th D in the regular season for a "reset" as Hiller called it and he said that he didn't love it and wants to work through things on the ice but feels he handled it well by coming to practice eager to move forward.
  • Clarke was very appreciative of Edmunson - said that when the Kings told Joel to help him this season he wasn't sure how it was going to go because they are in different situations, but that it turned out amazingly, that Joel was checking in with him and talking to him every single day without waiver and cited his posivity for helping him through the season, said that he couldn't say enough good things about him.
  • Spence feels he has shown the Kings what he can bring to the table and wants a bigger role. He wishes that he was able to contribute more in the playoffs and said it was unfortunate that he could only sit there. He was happy with his season this year and is hoping to earn trust in "certain situations".
  • Spence said he loves being here but sort of alluded to that he is going to give it his all next year, wants more responsibility and a bigger role, and it will dictate whether or not he stays.
  • Clarke said that he has been told that they want to make him into the best he can be and mold him into player that can help out in all situations. He mentioned that he wants to be more responsible and trustworthy, but he also wants to do what it takes to win and make a play. He wants to be here a long time and be a difference maker. He noted that he's received only praise from Kings staff and his exit this season, but it is interesting to note the clash and him fighting a little bit to keep his game and not have it beaten out of him....
Hiller:
  • Said that the season saw the highest of highs and ended in the lowest of lows.
  • Said he hasn't spoken to Luc yet regarding his future, but admitted that when there is change like firing the GM there is usually more...
  • Dodged pretty hard his player usage and leaned toward decisions being made for different reasons that were opponent-specific and that things would have been different if they were playing a different opponent or moved onto the next round.
  • Asked specifically about Spence and the fourth line and ignored Spence and said that he would have leaned on Helenius more if things continued.
  • Admitted, surprisingly, that in his mind, Byfield's late game play, Fiala's post on the 2 on 1, and not hitting the empty net to not close out that game were collectively the biggest moments in the series.
  • When asked what the biggest thing he learned as his first year as a head coach he couldn't think of anything, said it was a lousy weekend, and settled on needing to have more that one approach when working with players as things that worked in the past may not always work in the future.
  • Jeannot was an important player they missed.
  • Admitted in hindsight he wouldn't challenge the play again but wouldn't get into what they saw or why the play was challenged. Felt it would have been nice to get the penalty kill... (f***ing lol)
  • Feels Edmonton deserves more credit for their play and finding goals when they needed them against his team who he felt their strength was being a good third period team.
  • Byfield will be a leader for the team for a long time and will reach his development, but stopped short of saying the franchise depends on him doing so.
  • Feels young players can only take a step when their ready, if you force or allow it to happen too soon it will stunt growth.
  • He wouldn't share what he said or did with Fiala since scratching him, but that his last 10 games and postseason was everything he wanted out of him and he is glad and proud that he got there.

 
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Potential GM Candidates for LA Kings

mayorsmanor.com mayorsmanor.com

Tl;dr
- Looks like the Kings still wanted Blake and Hiller to stay, but Blake was ready to move on
- Nothing groundbreaking as far as replacements. Three names Hoven thinks the Kings are considering for different reasons are Yannetti, Bergevin, and Futa.
- he also floated the idea of Futa having Lombardi brought back in an advisory role much like how Jack Ferreira was an advisor. This would be my ideal scenario.
- If not the above, then of course, it would be beneficial to look internally to see other candidates they might consider. Of course, if they go outside, they want someone with NHL GM experience. But a few names he is throwing out:

Nelson Emerson – current AGM
Glen Murray – current Sr. Director of Player Personnel
Pat Brisson – high-profile hockey agent
Chuck Fletcher – former Flyers GM
Ron Hextall – former Penguins GM
Jarmo Kekalainen – former Blue Jackets GM
Ken Holland – former Oilers GM
Pierre Dorion – former Senators GM
Lou Lamoriello – former Islanders GM

Obviously it's all preliminary at this time. Nothing among the list is particularly inspiring, but that just matches Luc's approach anyway.
 
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Telos said:
Gist of the exit interviews as I interpreted them for those that don't want to watch:

Universal Overall:
  • The locker room culture was the best it had been in a long time, they really thought they had something special and that they could go all the way this year and they believed it more than the previous 3-4 years, this loss hurt more than the others by far, and they alluded to several players changing their games to play a team game and more defense - a lot attributed this to Hiller.
  • A lot had nice things to say about Blake as a person behind the scenes.
  • Several (particularly Anderson and Doughty) talked about instinctively or it being "human nature" to play more defensively with the lead late, but that the direction and conversation was always to try to keep moving forward offensively and likened it to the Blues meltdown last night.

Kopi and Dewy:
  • Kopi hasn't thought about or is ready to announce retirement after next season.
  • Drew is going to start physio early for his ankle which wasn't 100% at any point in the season and is going do strength training in the offseason to be 100%
  • Past years they thought they might be able to win, but this year they wholeheartedly believed it and were hurt more by this loss. The team was as tight and bought in as they could be.
  • Doughty was naturally happy to have a lot of ice time to get back from the injury and admitted that he would have done the same playing 15 minutes
  • Felt they "pissed it away".
  • Thought the failure rested with the players over coaching staff or management.
Fiala and Danault:
  • Fiala alluded to making big changes to his game this season, sort of insinuating that Hiller and coaching staff got him to play a more complete game that is more team-centric than individualistic goals and for personal stats. He admitted that playing more defensively-minded is harder but he is proud of his work, especially in the last 20 games or so, and wishes to continue the trend. (I am interpreting a little, but it was heavily implied and many players mentioned that coaching got "certain" players to play more for the team. I think it was obvious that Fiala was the primary person in mind and his interview screamed self-improvement.)
  • Fiala is also starting to feel older in the league and wants to try to win and be more of a leader driving in that direction.
  • Danault admitted to working with the coaching staff to try to get out of the doghouse and
  • Danault admitted to being gassed after overtime in Game 4, which affected Game 5.
Trevor Lewis and Kuemper:
  • Lewis made it clear that he feels great and intends to play next season, but did he will "see what's out there." Hopefully that alludes to the writing being on the wall to having to find another team...
  • Kuemper said that he feels great and is confident he can replicate his season.
  • He attributed Buckley to learning more about what his faults and strengths were and working with him this year to get him firing on all cylinders.
  • Kuemper admitted that holding a lead against McDrai is just different than all other players and teams.

Kempe and Moore:
  • Kempe thinks he has 2-3 more years at peak performance.
  • * (Most interesting one for me)* Kempe said he felt fine and not tired during the series, but admitted that playing only three lines throughout practically the whole series was tough, more guys/lines should have been played, and it would have been hard to go further in the playoffs doing that. He likened it to Edmonton overusing McDrai against them constantly and then them fizzling out and failing in later rounds.
  • Moore said that Hiller got the most out of the guys thus far, pushed certain players to really play a more team game.
  • Moore, when asked what Hiller needed to improve upon, said "just experience".
  • Both said they are 100% healthy after both the season and playoffs.
  • Kempe earnestly said he loves it here and wants to be with the Kings "as long as possible" and alluded to hoping a contract gets done this offseason or early next season.
Foegele and Edmundson:
  • Edmundson said he hasn't been healthy the past few seasons and credits getting healthy this year to regain his game and confidence and that he really liked working with Clarke.
  • Foegele said he wasn't offered a contract by Edmonton and the series was more personal for him and was a little more disappointed in the loss because he feels the Kings are a better team.
  • Games 3 & 4 hit the team the hardest which led to Game 5 being their worst.
Gavrikov and Kuzmenko:
  • Gavy made a joke that he is "here for now" while being at the presser, but that he is not in a rush and has plenty of time to make a decision which kind of sounds like he is open to testing free agency, they pressed him on his recent agency change to CAA with Pat Brisson which he brushed off as he "just needed a change in direction."
  • Kuzmenko said he has the same answer as Gavy "we'll see...".
  • Gavy made an interesting joke/point that he feels he can play on the powerplay.
  • Kuzmenko said that he liked the organization, fit, and recognized the chance they gave him but he will keep his options open as hockey is business.
  • Kuzmenko when asked about his ice time diminishing in the playoffs said that he doesn't care of it drops as long as its for the team winning.
Byfield and Anderson:
  • Byfield feels that consistency is a main focus for him to improve upon and fix.
  • Anderson feels this is the best team he's ever been a part of and the biggest change was players used to go out there to win but didn't care how they got it done, but now care about wanting to perform for each other and not let each other down.
  • Byfield said he will be thinking about his last play in Game 4 for the rest of the summer and feels he let the team down. He didn't want to ice the puck and felt he could handle it and get it out.
  • Anderson mentioned not having Jeannot and the toughness when they needed it.
  • Anderson also mentioned Spence and Clarke didn't "get as many opportunities as they probably deserved."
Jeannot and Laffy:
  • Jeannot said he had a groin injury and was trying to get back, and took it hard that he couldn't get out there for the playoffs, as he said he was close to coming back. Felt the timing couldn't have been worse as things were clicking and wanted to "prove his value" to the team.
  • Laffy said mentioned getting used to the length of the seasons. Felt things were going his way later in the year and while he wanted to keep up his scoring he made it a point that he feels he is effective in all other aspects of the game without scoring and didn't want to lose that.
  • Laffy said he hasn't really thought about the contract much, it is his first time and he is going to be relying on his family and agents mainly.
  • Jeannot said his family liked his year in LA and that they will see what the offseason brings.
Spence and Clarke (Interesting that this was the longest interview):
  • Spence was candid that he felt he had more to give and to not contribute as much in the playoffs for himself was unfortunate. Said it was team first but also mentioned that he wants to win just as much as the other guys and he tries to do the best with what the coaches give him. (Clarke was nodding affirmingly throughout)
  • Spence said that he thought he earned the trust of the coaches during the regular season and that it was hard to have such a big dropoff of ice time in the playoffs.
  • Clarke said he likes being thrown in the deep end and put into situations where you don't know how it is going to work out and feels confident in himself to take on those challenges. He acknowledged he didn't have as big of a role in the playoffs that he did in the regular season and wants to take on a greater role with the team moving forward while also being a good teammate.
  • Clarke recognized that the playoffs are different and that the other team is now doing things to affect you in other games as well as the one you're playing, but feels he handled it well and wants to be out there for the big moments.
  • Clarke was asked about being scratched as the 7th D in the regular season for a "reset" as Hiller called it and he said that he didn't love it and wants to work through things on the ice but feels he handled it well by coming to practice eager to move forward.
  • Clarke was very appreciative of Edmunson - said that when the Kings told Joel to help him this season he wasn't sure how it was going to go because they are in different situations, but that it turned out amazingly, that Joel was checking in with him and talking to him every single day without waiver and cited his posivity for helping him through the season, said that he couldn't say enough good things about him.
  • Spence feels he has shown the Kings what he can bring to the table and wants a bigger role. He wishes that he was able to contribute more in the playoffs and said it was unfortunate that he could only sit there. He was happy with his season this year and is hoping to earn trust in "certain situations".
  • Spence said he loves being here but sort of alluded to that he is going to give it his all next year, wants more responsibility and a bigger role, and it will dictate whether or not he stays.
  • Clarke said that he has been told that they want to make him into the best he can be and mold him into player that can help out in all situations. He mentioned that he wants to be more responsible and trustworthy, but he also wants to do what it takes to win and make a play. He wants to be here a long time and be a difference maker. He noted that he's received only praise from Kings staff and his exit this season, but it is interesting to note the clash and him fighting a little bit to keep his game and not have it beaten out of him....
Click to expand...

Would have loved to have had someone ask Drew and Kopitar what Daryll would have done if they took their foot off the gas!
 
Last edited:
Telos said:
Gist of the exit interviews as I interpreted them for those that don't want to watch:

Universal Overall:
  • The locker room culture was the best it had been in a long time, they really thought they had something special and that they could go all the way this year and they believed it more than the previous 3-4 years, this loss hurt more than the others by far, and they alluded to several players changing their games to play a team game and more defense - a lot attributed this to Hiller.
  • A lot had nice things to say about Blake as a person behind the scenes.
  • Several (particularly Anderson and Doughty) talked about instinctively or it being "human nature" to play more defensively with the lead late, but that the direction and conversation was always to try to keep moving forward offensively and likened it to the Blues meltdown last night.

Kopi and Dewy:
  • Kopi hasn't thought about or is ready to announce retirement after next season.
  • Drew is going to start physio early for his ankle which wasn't 100% at any point in the season and is going do strength training in the offseason to be 100%.
  • Past years they thought they might be able to win, but this year they wholeheartedly believed it and were hurt more by this loss. The team was as tight and bought in as they could be.
  • Doughty was naturally happy to have a lot of ice time to get back from the injury and admitted that he would have done the same playing 15 minutes it would have just taken longer, but said that he never wants to play just 15 minutes which made Kopi laugh.
  • Felt they "pissed it away".
  • Thought the failure rested with the players over coaching staff or management.
Fiala and Danault:
  • Fiala alluded to making big changes to his game this season, sort of insinuating that Hiller and coaching staff got him to play a more complete game that is more team-centric than individualistic goals and for personal stats. He admitted that playing more defensively-minded is harder but he is proud of his work, especially in the last 20 games or so, and wishes to continue the trend. (I am interpreting a little, but it was heavily implied and many players mentioned that coaching got "certain" players to play more for the team. I think it was obvious that Fiala was the primary person in mind and his interview screamed self-improvement.)
  • Fiala is also starting to feel older in the league and wants to try to win and be more of a leader driving in that direction.
  • Danault admitted to working with the coaching staff to try to get out of the doghouse and still carve out a role which helped both him and Fiala turn it around.
  • Danault admitted to being gassed after overtime in Game 4, which affected Game 5.
Trevor Lewis and Kuemper:
  • Lewis made it clear that he feels great and intends to play next season, but did say he will "see what's out there." Hopefully, that alludes to the writing being on the wall to having to find another team...
  • Kuemper said that he feels great and is confident he can replicate his season.
  • He attributed Buckley to learning more about what his faults and strengths were and working with him this year to get him firing on all cylinders.
  • Kuemper admitted that holding a lead against McDrai is just different than all other players and teams.

Kempe and Moore:
  • Kempe thinks he has 2-3 more years at peak performance.
  • * (Most interesting one for me)* Kempe said he felt fine and not tired during the series, but admitted that playing only three lines throughout practically the whole series was tough, more guys/lines should have been played, and it would have been hard to go further in the playoffs doing that. He likened it to Edmonton overusing McDrai against them constantly and then them fizzling out and failing in later rounds.
  • Moore said that Hiller got the most out of the guys thus far, pushed certain players to really play a more team game.
  • Moore, when asked what Hiller needed to improve upon, said "just experience".
  • Both said they are 100% healthy after both the season and playoffs.
  • Kempe earnestly said he loves it here and wants to be with the Kings "as long as possible" and alluded to hoping a contract gets done this offseason or early next season. He said the sooner the better so that it isn't thought of as a distraction.
Foegele and Edmundson:
  • Edmundson said he hasn't been healthy the past few seasons and credits getting healthy this year to regain his game and confidence and that he really liked working with Clarke.
  • Foegele said he wasn't offered a contract by Edmonton and the series was more personal for him and was a little more disappointed in the loss because he feels the Kings are a better team.
  • Games 3 & 4 hit the team the hardest which led to Game 5 being their worst.
Gavrikov and Kuzmenko:
  • Gavy made a joke that he is "here for now" while being at the presser, but that he is not in a rush and has plenty of time to make a decision which kind of sounds like he is open to testing free agency, they pressed him on his recent agency change to CAA with Pat Brisson which he brushed off as he "just needed a change in direction."
  • Kuzmenko said he has the same answer as Gavy "we'll see...".
  • Gavy made an interesting joke/point that he feels he can play on the powerplay.
  • Kuzmenko said that he liked the organization, fit, and recognized the chance they gave him but he will keep his options open as hockey is business.
  • Kuzmenko when asked about his ice time diminishing in the playoffs said that he doesn't care of it drops as long as its for the team winning.
Byfield and Anderson:
  • Byfield feels that consistency is a main focus for him to improve upon and fix.
  • Anderson feels this is the best team he's ever been a part of and the biggest change was players used to go out there to win but didn't care how they got it done, but now care about wanting to perform for each other and not let each other down.
  • Byfield said he will be thinking about his last play in Game 4 for the rest of the summer and feels he let the team down. He didn't want to ice the puck and felt he could handle it and get it out.
  • Anderson mentioned not having Jeannot and the toughness when they needed it.
  • Anderson also mentioned Spence and Clarke didn't "get as many opportunities as they probably deserved."
Jeannot and Laffy:
  • Jeannot said he had a groin injury and was trying to get back, and took it hard that he couldn't get out there for the playoffs, as he said he was close to coming back. Felt the timing couldn't have been worse as things were clicking and wanted to "prove his value" to the team.
  • Laffy mentioned getting used to the length of the seasons. Felt things weren't going his way later in the year, and while he wanted to keep up his scoring,g he made it a point that he feels he is effective in all other aspects of the game without scoring and didn't want to lose that.
  • Laffy said he hasn't really thought about the contract much, it is his first time and he is going to be relying on his family and agents mainly.
  • Jeannot said his family liked his year in LA and that they will see what the offseason brings.
Spence and Clarke (Interesting that this was the longest interview):
  • Spence was candid that he felt he had more to give and to not contribute as much in the playoffs for himself was unfortunate. Said it was team first but also mentioned that he wants to win just as much as the other guys and he tries to do the best with what the coaches give him. (Clarke was nodding affirmingly throughout)
  • Spence said that he thought he earned the trust of the coaches during the regular season and that it was hard to have such a big dropoff of ice time in the playoffs.
  • Clarke said he likes being thrown in the deep end and put into situations where you don't know how it is going to work out and feels confident in himself to take on those challenges. He acknowledged he didn't have as big of a role in the playoffs that he did in the regular season and wants to take on a greater role with the team moving forward while also being a good teammate.
  • Clarke recognized that the playoffs are different and that the other team is now doing things to affect you in other games as well as the one you're playing, but feels he handled it well and wants to be out there for the big moments.
  • Clarke was asked about being scratched as the 7th D in the regular season for a "reset" as Hiller called it and he said that he didn't love it and wants to work through things on the ice but feels he handled it well by coming to practice eager to move forward.
  • Clarke was very appreciative of Edmunson - said that when the Kings told Joel to help him this season he wasn't sure how it was going to go because they are in different situations, but that it turned out amazingly, that Joel was checking in with him and talking to him every single day without waiver and cited his posivity for helping him through the season, said that he couldn't say enough good things about him.
  • Spence feels he has shown the Kings what he can bring to the table and wants a bigger role. He wishes that he was able to contribute more in the playoffs and said it was unfortunate that he could only sit there. He was happy with his season this year and is hoping to earn trust in "certain situations".
  • Spence said he loves being here but sort of alluded to that he is going to give it his all next year, wants more responsibility and a bigger role, and it will dictate whether or not he stays.
  • Clarke said that he has been told that they want to make him into the best he can be and mold him into player that can help out in all situations. He mentioned that he wants to be more responsible and trustworthy, but he also wants to do what it takes to win and make a play. He wants to be here a long time and be a difference maker. He noted that he's received only praise from Kings staff and his exit this season, but it is interesting to note the clash and him fighting a little bit to keep his game and not have it beaten out of him....
Hiller:
  • Said that the season saw the highest of highs and ended in the lowest of lows.
  • Said he hasn't spoken to Luc yet regarding his future, but admitted that when there is change like firing the GM there is usually more...
  • Dodged pretty hard his player usage and leaned toward decisions being made for different reasons that were opponent-specific and that things would have been different if they were playing a different opponent or moved onto the next round.
  • Asked specifically about Spence and the fourth line and ignored Spence and said that he would have leaned on Helenius more if things continued.
  • Admitted, surprisingly, that in his mind, Byfield's late game play, Fiala's post on the 2 on 1, and not hitting the empty net to not close out that game were collectively the biggest moments in the series.
  • When asked what the biggest thing he learned as his first year as a head coach he couldn't think of anything, said it was a lousy weekend, and settled on needing to have more that one approach when working with players as things that worked in the past may not always work in the future.
  • Jeannot was an important player they missed.
  • Admitted in hindsight he wouldn't challenge the play again but wouldn't get into what they saw or why the play was challenged. Felt it would have been nice to get the penalty kill... (f***ing lol)
  • Feels Edmonton deserves more credit for their play and finding goals when they needed them against his team who he felt their strength was being a good third period team.
  • Byfield will be a leader for the team for a long time and will reach his development, but stopped short of saying the franchise depends on him doing so.
  • Feels young players can only take a step when their ready, if you force or allow it to happen too soon it will stunt growth.
  • He wouldn't share what he said or did with Fiala since scratching him, but that his last 10 games and postseason was everything he wanted out of him and he is glad and proud that he got there.

Click to expand...

Thank you for typing this up. The Spence, Clarke and Hiller sections made me angry. Angry at how the young guys were treated and at Hiller's cluelessness.
 
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The TLDR and my more biased opinions/predictions after watching the exit interviews:
  • I think next years is Kopi's last and he knows it.
  • Dewy is a little delusional and always will be for better or worse.
  • Fiala has grown a bit and may even exceed expectations. Hoping he doesn't regress.
  • Trevor Lewis is hopefully gone.
  • Kuemper is going to be solid next year and hopefully can mentor someone like Portillo.
  • Kempe is going to get signed early, he wasn't paying lip service, he wants to stay, wants to win here, and is eager to sign sooner rather than later.
  • Edmunson and Clarke should be kept together. Their relationship seemed really strong and give me O'Donnell-Doughty vibes.
  • Gavrikov & Kuzmenko are gone.
  • I worry about Byfield's mental game on his path to take the reigns.
  • Anderson is future captain material still.
  • I think re-signing Jeannot is a coinflip.
  • Spence is obviously irritated over his usage and this season is make or break for him staying. My money is on him being trade bait no matter what next year. I don't see the Kings giving him a bigger role and I could swear he was straining to not roll his eyes or react while Clarke was discussing their usage and roles. That and Hiller avoiding talking about him tell me the writing is on the wall.
  • Clarke is impressive. He needs to be given more leash. I absolutely love that he is clinging to his game, and I don't think they are going to beat it out of him for better or worse. He knows why he is special and is confident and cocky about it. He is the fighter pilot of the group and needs runway to take off. The kid is literally Maverick from Top Gun, full of potential with flaws, but has the attitude and cocky confidence to back it up and embrace the risk to perform at his best.
  • Hiller is a little baffling. Not sure why he is dodging accountability all of a sudden when he candidly faced it all year long, but he is likeable and did some good things which were echoed by the team, but seems out of his depth and lacking in experience which was also echoed by the team.... I think he is allowed to coach his last year of his contract next season, but that will obviously depend on the GM.
 
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From the looks of it, and if Hoven is right, Luc will be sticking around. Blake leaving on his own accord certainly fits what we know- the terse press release, the Mayor's Manor article that Blake was staying, etc. Being a GM is an 80 hour a week job, and you never get the time with your children back again. Plus, you are constantly second guessed and success is defined by winning a Cup which 31 other GMs are all desperately seeking to achieve. Maybe Blake really did leave, he certainly has enough money and has achieved the lifestyle that he could want.

What sucks is that with Luc around, nothing will change. Luc is a cancer on this organization. He will never escape the original sin of forcing Lombardi out in such a sneaky way. The next GM will be someone with total loyalty to him as the first and last consideration. I had hoped there would be a housecleaning. Evidently, AEG is satisfied with the direction of the organization. Go Panthers!
 
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King'sPawn said:

Potential GM Candidates for LA Kings

mayorsmanor.com mayorsmanor.com

Tl;dr
- Looks like the Kings still wanted Blake and Hiller to stay, but Blake was ready to move on
- Nothing groundbreaking as far as replacements. Three names Hoven thinks the Kings are considering for different reasons are Yannetti, Bergevin, and Futa.
- he also floated the idea of Futa having Lombardi brought back in an advisory role much like how Jack Ferreira was an advisor. This would be my ideal scenario.
- If not the above, then of course, it would be beneficial to look internally to see other candidates they might consider. Of course, if they go outside, they want someone with NHL GM experience. But a few names he is throwing out:

Nelson Emerson – current AGM
Glen Murray – current Sr. Director of Player Personnel
Pat Brisson – high-profile hockey agent
Chuck Fletcher – former Flyers GM
Ron Hextall – former Penguins GM
Jarmo Kekalainen – former Blue Jackets GM
Ken Holland – former Oilers GM
Pierre Dorion – former Senators GM
Lou Lamoriello – former Islanders GM

Obviously it's all preliminary at this time. Nothing among the list is particularly inspiring, but that just matches Luc's approach anyway.
Click to expand...
If this is as far as the net gets cast looking for a new GM 🤢🤮:help:

Nothing but members of the good old boys clubs and has beens. Or in the case of Jarmo, Fletcher, and Hextall, should have never beens.
 
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King'sPawn said:

Potential GM Candidates for LA Kings

mayorsmanor.com mayorsmanor.com

Tl;dr
- Looks like the Kings still wanted Blake and Hiller to stay, but Blake was ready to move on
- Nothing groundbreaking as far as replacements. Three names Hoven thinks the Kings are considering for different reasons are Yannetti, Bergevin, and Futa.
- he also floated the idea of Futa having Lombardi brought back in an advisory role much like how Jack Ferreira was an advisor. This would be my ideal scenario.
- If not the above, then of course, it would be beneficial to look internally to see other candidates they might consider. Of course, if they go outside, they want someone with NHL GM experience. But a few names he is throwing out:

Nelson Emerson – current AGM
Glen Murray – current Sr. Director of Player Personnel
Pat Brisson – high-profile hockey agent
Chuck Fletcher – former Flyers GM
Ron Hextall – former Penguins GM
Jarmo Kekalainen – former Blue Jackets GM
Ken Holland – former Oilers GM
Pierre Dorion – former Senators GM
Lou Lamoriello – former Islanders GM

Obviously it's all preliminary at this time. Nothing among the list is particularly inspiring, but that just matches Luc's approach anyway.
Click to expand...
Now that the Kings are planting GM candidates out to the fanbase via the Mayor, we shouldn't worry about getting Bergevin because of all the fan backlash.

Right?
 
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