Dubois

[johnjm22]

Yea his retrieval and board work are probably the worst parts of his game. Wish hed use his big frame more on the wall and not just in open ice. Byfield learned to use his ass and long reach from watching Kopitar to come out of scrums with possession even if hes outnumbered. When guys are battling PLD on the wall they come out with it and immediately go the other way. Partially because that line isnt in sync yet with full support for each other.

There's no excuse for his board work being as bad as it is. A lot of what determines puck battles is shear will.

There's been multiple times in recent games where he's got knocked on his ass in the offensive zone while trying to retrieve pucks. That's BS for a guy his size.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Oh the silver lining side if there's one development thing I trust this org to do it's checking

 

[King'sPawn]

It's still super early, but PLD may go down as the most hated player in Kings history. Crazy to say that after only 30 games.

But if he can build off of last nights performance, he might end up being alright. Hopefully he makes us all eat our words.

Agreed with the bolded. Was angry with the trade and never liked it, but it's always better if the Kings have tangible success (i.e. going deep in the playoffs).

And that's what I ultimately hope for. It's fun to have a great regular season record, but it's unsatisfying compared to playoff success.

PLD's getting a lot of anger spewed his way because of the immediacy of how things are working out differently in LA and Winnipeg. PLD's scoring at what I think may be his career worst in the regular season, while Vilardi is having his best - even if marred slightly by injury. Iafallo's doing great, too.

But after time, more trades, and Vilardi's contract ends, it will have more opportunitybfor reflection:
- How much success did LA and Winnipeg have? If LA wins a cup, nobody would care. If Winnipeg wins a cup, ouch
- What will Vilardi's new contract look like? It especially stings with him outplaying Dubois at half the price, but if he starts commanding $10+ million, there would be a tough conversation
- Would Winnipeg even be able to retain him with new salary demands? Sure, they may always be okay with offloading PLD and his contract, but if Vilardi's gone after a couple seasons, or walks, then a balance in the trade may shift.
- Does PLD play better or step it up? Again, if he plays better, people will be happier. If he replaces Kopitar or Danault in some competent capacity after they leave the team, then more anger will subside.

As angry as I've been with the trade, I think the general attitude from the fanbase will shift closer to neutral. I'd be hard-pressed to imagine a likely scenario where the trade would be considered an outright win.

Right now, it's just working out in worst-case scenario. We can all just really hope it improves. I'm sure it really sucks for Blake and PLD to endure some of the vitriol, too.

 

[SaltyElkHunter]

Agreed with the bolded. Was angry with the trade and never liked it, but it's always better if the Kings have tangible success (i.e. going deep in the playoffs).

And that's what I ultimately hope for. It's fun to have a great regular season record, but it's unsatisfying compared to playoff success.

PLD's getting a lot of anger spewed his way because of the immediacy of how things are working out differently in LA and Winnipeg. PLD's scoring at what I think may be his career worst in the regular season, while Vilardi is having his best - even if marred slightly by injury. Iafallo's doing great, too.

But after time, more trades, and Vilardi's contract ends, it will have more opportunitybfor reflection:
- How much success did LA and Winnipeg have? If LA wins a cup, nobody would care. If Winnipeg wins a cup, ouch
- What will Vilardi's new contract look like? It especially stings with him outplaying Dubois at half the price, but if he starts commanding $10+ million, there would be a tough conversation
- Would Winnipeg even be able to retain him with new salary demands? Sure, they may always be okay with offloading PLD and his contract, but if Vilardi's gone after a couple seasons, or walks, then a balance in the trade may shift.
- Does PLD play better or step it up? Again, if he plays better, people will be happier. If he replaces Kopitar or Danault in some competent capacity after they leave the team, then more anger will subside.

As angry as I've been with the trade, I think the general attitude from the fanbase will shift closer to neutral. I'd be hard-pressed to imagine a likely scenario where the trade would be considered an outright win.

Right now, it's just working out in worst-case scenario. We can all just really hope it improves. I'm sure it really sucks for Blake and PLD to endure some of the vitriol, too.

I mean Byfield is making me do it… why not PLD?

 

[Andreas Ferrari]

As a Jet fan, I didn't want him to go. We haven't really had a good 2nd line center since the Jets returned. When he was at his best(with Elhers and/or Connor) we could roll 2 good lines.

Hopefully, Perfetti can be ready next year.

Having said that, thank you Rob Blake for taking a problem child and giving us a big tough goal-scoring winger who could be a difference-maker come playoff time.

While I'm here I predict Quinton Byfield will have a 80+ season next year. I'll bookmark this post to see if I'm right.

Merry Christmas from Canada EH!!!

 

[Johnny Utah]

Wouldn’t call Vilardi big and tough he’s never even been in a fight.

 

[Rorschach]

Wouldn’t call Vilardi big and tough he’s never even been in a fight.

He mistaked his shadow for an opponent...and was out for 5 weeks.

 

[Seattle King]

It's not hate for Dubois. But there is a toxic combination of his poor statistical start, his rather obvious lack of engagement, the extravagant cost in assets to acquire him and the giant 8 year cap hit he is signed to. Its really a bad look so far, but it seems inevitable things will turn around for him at some point.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

It's not hate for Dubois. But there is a toxic combination of his poor statistical start, his rather obvious lack of engagement, the extravagant cost in assets to acquire him and the giant 8 year cap hit he is signed to. Its really a bad look so far, but it seems inevitable things will turn around for him at some point.

True, but what I really wonder, is are all 22 other players f***ing blind? Can they not see his obvious lack of engagement? If they are, are they so weak-minded that they just go with the flow? Because we all know Doughty is like that...right?

 

[FSL KINGS]

Great trade. Love his game.
Iafallo, worst 4M player on the team. Kempe, Moore, Arvidsson. Iafallo is the one you dump. Iafallo is happy up there. Loves the outdoors & would be happy anywhere. Good kid.

Kupari, like the kid. Might be something in 5 years, could top out as Lewis.

Vilardi, had 5 years to crack the lineup. Didn't. Tons of skill & nope.

Dubious is currently 25. He didn't mesh with Fiala. No one meshes with Fiala. He is playing well. Goes to the dirty areas. Grundström & Harvard aren't the best line mates. Find a couple linemates that mesh with him & or can convert & he'll be just fine.

Too much time spent on nitpicking points. Ask 140 point McDummy how much those points were worth last season.

 

[TopT]

I am quite sure he will find his game; when all is said and done this trade will look lopsided in kings favour

 

[bmr]

I am quite sure he will find his game; when all is said and done this trade will look lopsided in kings favour

The big question mark is if Vilardi can stay healthy. If he does, he will be the better player. Kings needed a Center.

Very curious if Arvidsson will develop any chemistry with Dubois or not. I can see them mixing up the lines again if that doesn’t happen. Having RV back will definitely improve the power play.

 

[Lt Dan]

For the PLD haters, sorry that your present was a little late

 

[Brownie to Pancakes]

How sure are we that arvy IS coming back?

 

[YP44]

Wouldn’t call Vilardi big and tough he’s never even been in a fight.

I wouldn't call him big for sure, but don't think he has to fight to be tough. Vilardi is really good at board battles and battling in front of the net. He is not afraid to muck it up, but not drop the gloves. Really enjoy watching him play.​

Great trade. Love his game.
Iafallo, worst 4M player on the team. Kempe, Moore, Arvidsson. Iafallo is the one you dump. Iafallo is happy up there. Loves the outdoors & would be happy anywhere. Good kid.

Kupari, like the kid. Might be something in 5 years, could top out as Lewis.

Vilardi, had 5 years to crack the lineup. Didn't. Tons of skill & nope.

Dubious is currently 25. He didn't mesh with Fiala. No one meshes with Fiala. He is playing well. Goes to the dirty areas. Grundström & Harvard aren't the best line mates. Find a couple linemates that mesh with him & or can convert & he'll be just fine.

Too much time spent on nitpicking points. Ask 140 point McDummy how much those points were worth last season.

I don't see PLD go to the dirty areas enough, and he seems to be hit off the puck with relative ease on the boards. Don't think that will continue as that is not the player I thought LA was getting.

 

[johnjm22]

How sure are we that arvy IS coming back?

He's going to have a miraculous recovery just in time for the playoffs.

 

[bmr]

My guess is he’s back right after the All Star break.

 

[YP44]

He scored last night but was still pretty lazy IMO. Floating around alot, and did nothing when Kaliyev was hit.

 

[FrozenKing18]

The guy's behavior on the ice is really weird because on that play he was floating but scanning the ice. Once Kaliyev received the puck from Laf, he was ready for some sort of rebound and it paid off. He also made a nifty pass to Laf I think on the latter half of the 3rd. 2 goals in 2 games, I hope he keeps it up.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

He's definitely trending up

He seems to do wayyyy too much thinking on the ice. 'scanning' is probably the polite way to put it. He floats...purposefully, I guess? But there does seem to at least be some excellent chemistry developing. But we'll see how that looks vs. two divisional rivals next. I'm less impressed that he looked good vs. Sharks 3rd liners. I'm sure someone will piss him off over the next two games and we'll see what's in waiting.

 

[fsanford]

He scored last night but was still pretty lazy IMO. Floating around alot, and did nothing when Kaliyev was hit.

I saw a different game, but I am coming from a point of low expectations. But I thought he actually was fairly aggressive last night. Again sitting there I watched what he did without the puck and have seen a change and a bit more aggressive.

But still has work to do

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I think a lot of it is his acceleration/first step frankly kind of sucks as does his agility. His top speed is fine, he's Bowser from Mario Kart. But he's not a good enough skater to be so tentative. Keep hoping he'll 'learn the system' or whatever bullshit it is that takes so long here so he's instinctive instead but I'm a little shocked that his skating really isn't any better than Gabe's.

 

[YP44]

he just looks like there is no effort or hussel

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

he just looks like there is no effort or hussel

Looks can be deceiving, you can see him thinking 3 steps ahead, now, that only hits a few times a game, but when it does, he's in a great position to score, but on defense, you can see him just thinking how to position himself, feels like, he's one of those players that just feels the game at a level much higher than the Lizotte's that he doesn't have to use as much energy, as much hustle as much as every one of wants him too, and you go watch him and go WTF half the time, you can see him just....strategizing while the game is going on, it's inherently frustrating, AND fascinating to watch

 

[rapots]

There is a hope, 2 good games in a row, hey that's something to be positive.