Anze Kopitar (MOD WARNING Post #52)

[GoldenBearHockey]

Might be an unpopular opinion here,

But it would be prudent for the Kings to see what kind of market is out there for Kopitar before they sign him long term.

Yes, he's won us two cups, yes he's been a major force on the team, but long term strategy, long term viability, I think the Kings have a duty to see what the trade market bears for him, if only to get an accurate picture.

To go in blind and give him 7 years 70 million, I think is a mistake, to go in knowing that he would fetch a young superstar plus etc, and then to gauge that against what the cap projections will be, his production will be, etc, I think you need all the pieces, no player is untradeable, every player can be dealt,

Is it the right move to deal Kopitar, maybe, maybe not, but to flat out say, no no no, is a mistake.

 

[KINGS17]

Kopitar has a different approach than Toews. People mistake Toews for having more energy, but Toews just plays the game a bit differently. He's more willing to try and create space for himself and force the play. He takes more risks.

Kopitar just plays a very conservative game, to the point where he is too conservative. We saw in the last game what happens when Kopitar forces the play towards the end of the game, and the Kings were trailing towards the end of the third. What's amusing is everyone then jumps on Kopitar for losing the puck.

Kopitar has always been a safer, more cerebral player for as long as he played for a defensive coach on the Kings.

I must say this is an interesting way of describing Kopitar's play as of late.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Cerebral, shrmebral. Dude has been crap this year.

 

[King'sPawn]

I must say this is an interesting way of describing Kopitar's play as of late.

Where did I say as of late?

He ALWAYS plays like that, even when he's on.

 

[KINGS17]

Where did I say as of late?

He ALWAYS plays like that, even when he's on.

I agree, he is more conservative than Toews. I will concede that point and I have no problem with that. Kopitar's poor play as of late, say the last 35 games he has played, can't be attributed to that.

 

[TheSlovenian]

Might be an unpopular opinion here,

But it would be prudent for the Kings to see what kind of market is out there for Kopitar before they sign him long term.

Yes, he's won us two cups, yes he's been a major force on the team, but long term strategy, long term viability, I think the Kings have a duty to see what the trade market bears for him, if only to get an accurate picture.

To go in blind and give him 7 years 70 million, I think is a mistake, to go in knowing that he would fetch a young superstar plus etc, and then to gauge that against what the cap projections will be, his production will be, etc, I think you need all the pieces, no player is untradeable, every player can be dealt,

Is it the right move to deal Kopitar, maybe, maybe not, but to flat out say, no no no, is a mistake.

I doubt the Kings EVER trade Kopitar. It would be strange seeing him in another uniform.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Might be an unpopular opinion here,

But it would be prudent for the Kings to see what kind of market is out there for Kopitar before they sign him long term.

Yes, he's won us two cups, yes he's been a major force on the team, but long term strategy, long term viability, I think the Kings have a duty to see what the trade market bears for him, if only to get an accurate picture.

To go in blind and give him 7 years 70 million, I think is a mistake, to go in knowing that he would fetch a young superstar plus etc, and then to gauge that against what the cap projections will be, his production will be, etc, I think you need all the pieces, no player is untradeable, every player can be dealt,

Is it the right move to deal Kopitar, maybe, maybe not, but to flat out say, no no no, is a mistake.

You're not going to get an accurate picture of Kopitar's worth if he's unsigned. You probably wouldn't get an accurate picture of his worth if he was. Worth is subjective, and basically comes down to time, place, and just general availability. If nobody thinks you're actually going to trade him, why would another GM help the Kings in determining Kopitar's value? You think someone might offer a young superstar, and something else? Why would they not just keep that young superstar for themselves?

 

[MOGlLNY]

Might be an unpopular opinion here,

But it would be prudent for the Kings to see what kind of market is out there for Kopitar before they sign him long term.

Yes, he's won us two cups, yes he's been a major force on the team, but long term strategy, long term viability, I think the Kings have a duty to see what the trade market bears for him, if only to get an accurate picture.

To go in blind and give him 7 years 70 million, I think is a mistake, to go in knowing that he would fetch a young superstar plus etc, and then to gauge that against what the cap projections will be, his production will be, etc, I think you need all the pieces, no player is untradeable, every player can be dealt,

Is it the right move to deal Kopitar, maybe, maybe not, but to flat out say, no no no, is a mistake.

No it's not.

 

[YP44]

Might be an unpopular opinion here,

But it would be prudent for the Kings to see what kind of market is out there for Kopitar before they sign him long term.

Yes, he's won us two cups, yes he's been a major force on the team, but long term strategy, long term viability, I think the Kings have a duty to see what the trade market bears for him, if only to get an accurate picture.

To go in blind and give him 7 years 70 million, I think is a mistake, to go in knowing that he would fetch a young superstar plus etc, and then to gauge that against what the cap projections will be, his production will be, etc, I think you need all the pieces, no player is untradeable, every player can be dealt,

Is it the right move to deal Kopitar, maybe, maybe not, but to flat out say, no no no, is a mistake.

unless that young superstar is Sequin or Tavares it's not worth exploring at all. Even then I would not like it.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

You're not going to get an accurate picture of Kopitar's worth if he's unsigned. You probably wouldn't get an accurate picture of his worth if he was. Worth is subjective, and basically comes down to time, place, and just general availability. If nobody thinks you're actually going to trade him, why would another GM help the Kings in determining Kopitar's value? You think someone might offer a young superstar, and something else? Why would they not just keep that young superstar for themselves?

Never know if the team wants to change directions etc,

Also, everybody in the business knows that everyone can be traded, the only one that says player A can't be traded, are fans.

I guarantee you if DL puts the word out there that he is looking to move Kopitar, 29 GM's respond, some conversations will last longer than others, but there absolutely will be conversations,

Is moving him the right or wrong move, I don't know, but that's another conversation,

I am saying that to flat out say nope, not going to do it, nope, is a mistake, and one that organizations can't afford to make. This isn't to say that Lombardi should openly shop him, but he should not rule out that option just....because.

 

[YP44]

Never know if the team wants to change directions etc,

Also, everybody in the business knows that everyone can be traded, the only one that says player A can't be traded, are fans.

I guarantee you if DL puts the word out there that he is looking to move Kopitar, 29 GM's respond, some conversations will last longer than others, but there absolutely will be conversations,

Is moving him the right or wrong move, I don't know, but that's another conversation,

I am saying that to flat out say nope, not going to do it, nope, is a mistake, and one that organizations can't afford to make. This isn't to say that Lombardi should openly shop him, but he should not rule out that option just....because.

i agree everyone can be traded and if kopitar were shopped the response would be huge. However it owuld not be ruled out "just because" as you have said, it would be ruled out because he is one of the best two way players in the game, one of the top players in position that cup team need depth on, has been the kings top score for ____ years, is a leader on and off the ice, has chemistry with the current players and coaches, and I am sure many many more.

 

[scramble91]

Never know if the team wants to change directions etc,

Also, everybody in the business knows that everyone can be traded, the only one that says player A can't be traded, are fans.

I guarantee you if DL puts the word out there that he is looking to move Kopitar, 29 GM's respond, some conversations will last longer than others, but there absolutely will be conversations,

Is moving him the right or wrong move, I don't know, but that's another conversation,

I am saying that to flat out say nope, not going to do it, nope, is a mistake, and one that organizations can't afford to make. This isn't to say that Lombardi should openly shop him, but he should not rule out that option just....because.

You are right that anyone can be traded. However unless we have a similar player or an upgrade in that position, it would be a mistake regardless if he wants 9-10 mill. You can't fill replace quality with quantity.

Like RC said if Kopi goes without him being replaced by someone better, we might as well go in another rebuild because we wouldn't be close to contender status IMO.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

i agree everyone can be traded and if kopitar were shopped the response would be huge. However it owuld not be ruled out "just because" as you have said, it would be ruled out because he is one of the best two way players in the game, one of the top players in position that cup team need depth on, has been the kings top score for ____ years, is a leader on and off the ice, has chemistry with the current players and coaches, and I am sure many many more.

You are right that anyone can be traded. However unless we have a similar player or an upgrade in that position, it would be a mistake regardless if he wants 9-10 mill. You can't fill replace quality with quantity.

Like RC said if Kopi goes without him being replaced by someone better, we might as well go in another rebuild because we wouldn't be close to contender status IMO.

Agree with both, I am saying it shouldn't be an option not to listen to offers, that is it.

" because he is one of the best two way players in the game, one of the top players in position that cup team need depth on"

Agreed, he has been in the past, this season is a worrisome, it could just be a slump, absolutely, but what I am saying is that the Kings as an organization, have to hedge their bets for the betterment of the organization LONG TERM, and long term is longer than 5 years down the road etc...

Let's assume the worst, Kopitar doesn't break out of this slump this year, and starts off next year just as bad, what then?

 

[Maynard]

I'm surprised so many people still hope for superstar numbers from Kopitar. He's not that guy.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Never know if the team wants to change directions etc,

Also, everybody in the business knows that everyone can be traded, the only one that says player A can't be traded, are fans.

I guarantee you if DL puts the word out there that he is looking to move Kopitar, 29 GM's respond, some conversations will last longer than others, but there absolutely will be conversations,

Is moving him the right or wrong move, I don't know, but that's another conversation,

I am saying that to flat out say nope, not going to do it, nope, is a mistake, and one that organizations can't afford to make. This isn't to say that Lombardi should openly shop him, but he should not rule out that option just....because.

Sure, teams can change directions, but they're not going to do it with Kopitar only signed through next season, and unrestricted after that. Nobody is giving up an unnamed young superstar with that level of risk.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Sure, teams can change directions, but they're not going to do it with Kopitar only signed through next season, and unrestricted after that. Nobody is giving up an unnamed young superstar with that level of risk.

Agreed, it would take the Kings granting permission etc if it ever got that far etc.

Teams can agree on principle on a trade with the condition that the player resigns etc,

Let's take the NYI for instance, I don't know their prospects or system etc that well so bear with me,

Strome, Reinhart, Ho-Sang, a mix of prospects etc, not saying that the Isles would do that, or the Kings would do that, but absolutely it would depend on the Isles being able to talk to Kopitar to resign, and the Isles recoginizing their window etc and having a huge set of cojones to do that,

Now trades like that are few and far between due to the cap now, but if the Isles determine they want to go for it, and the Kings determine that signing Kopitar to a long term contract is not in the best interest of the organization, you have the makings of major moves,

Again, that's just a what if that will never happen..

 

[Fishhead]

I think with any future deal with Kopitar, the timing will be very important . It will be interesting to see what happens with Chicago in the offseason after having all that salary wrapped up in two big contracts. If they cant afford to fill their roster with quality supporting players, that may play a role in decision making for players. But who knows, perhaps Chicago can work everything out.

I'm not saying I would expect Kopitar to take less than market value or sign for a low number. He's earned whatever he is worth. But given the type of guy he is, and how tight the room is, if there is a player who would take a bit less for the good of the team, Kopitar is that type of player. I wouldn't be surprised with anything from 8-10M AAV, really.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I think with any future deal with Kopitar, the timing will be very important . It will be interesting to see what happens with Chicago in the offseason after having all that salary wrapped up in two big contracts. If they cant afford to fill their roster with quality supporting players, that may play a role in decision making for players. But who knows, perhaps Chicago can work everything out.

I'm not saying I would expect Kopitar to take less than market value or sign for a low number. He's earned whatever he is worth. But given the type of guy he is, and how tight the room is, if there is a player who would take a bit less for the good of the team, Kopitar is that type of player. I wouldn't be surprised with anything from 8-10M AAV, really.

Agreed, timing is the key, not the AAV, but timing and also term,

IF Kopitar wants max AAV and max term, the Kings have a hard decision to make

IF Kopitar wants max AAV and doesn't care for term, it's a bit easier

IF Kopitar doesn't care about AAV and wants max term, it's a bit easier

IF Kopitar doesn't want max AAV or max term, it's a lot easier,

It's hard decision to make and yes he has earned everything, no doubt about it, but moving forward, if he wants max AAV and max term, and is still producing the way he is right now, is that best for LA?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

You might be on to something. Start some trade rumors for Kopitar like we did for Brownie. Just do it closer to the deadline?

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

You might be on to something. Start some trade rumors for Kopitar like we did for Brownie. Just do it closer to the deadline?

LOL whatever it takes,

Best case scenario, we discover he's injured, he returns back to form and all is good in la la land,

Worst case, he doesn't break out, we sign him long term, and then...are screwed,

Gotta be a middle ground hopefully...

 

[santiclaws]

Kopitar for Khabibulin. (E3)

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

I'm surprised so many people still hope for superstar numbers from Kopitar. He's not that guy.

We know who Kopi is, a 70-75 point guy. Those are not Superstar numbers, and as long as he's playing the solid two way game that we have come to expect, he's worth a crap ton. The problem is that he's on pace for nowhere near 70 points, he's been weak on the puck, tentative, and looks flat out disinterested. I don't expect superstar numbers from Kopi, but I expect a hell of a lot more than what he's shown this season

 

[YP44]

Agree with both, I am saying it shouldn't be an option not to listen to offers, that is it.

" because he is one of the best two way players in the game, one of the top players in position that cup team need depth on"

Agreed, he has been in the past, this season is a worrisome, it could just be a slump, absolutely, but what I am saying is that the Kings as an organization, have to hedge their bets for the betterment of the organization LONG TERM, and long term is longer than 5 years down the road etc...

Let's assume the worst, Kopitar doesn't break out of this slump this year, and starts off next year just as bad, what then?

kopitar cannot be re-singed till the offseason. So ya let's assume the worst that he has a year from hell all year this year. I doubt DL then signs him for both long term and high cap hit, maybe one or the other.
So worse case scenario I think we end up with a bargain signing.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

We know who Kopi is, a 70-75 point guy. Those are not Superstar numbers, and as long as he's playing the solid two way game that we have come to expect, he's worth a crap ton. The problem is that he's on pace for nowhere near 70 points, he's been weak on the puck, tentative, and looks flat out disinterested. I don't expect superstar numbers from Kopi, but I expect a hell of a lot more than what he's shown this season

Concur. I expect him to be in the 70-80 point range fairly consistently. I can't think of many instances this season where he looks to be controlling the game with his dominant puck possession play. He's actually coughed up the puck quite a few times this season, and on more than one occasion have those turnovers led to goals for the opposition.

 

[Arrhizal]

Kopi going to be a father. Just announced.