Is Vilardi the most expendable prospect?

[Raccoon Jesus]

The answer largely depends on if we can trade Vilardi for a top 4 D, which I think is unlikely. If some GM is willing to part with a legit young D for Vilardi plus some draft picks, I think it is fair to trade him with the expectation that he may be a legit scorer because we need help on D now and in the near future. But the aforementioned is unlikely. Vilardi needs to play a full season on wing for us to have any value in him.

I think it's likely because as outlined above his value is likely at least a late 1st or at worst an early 2nd.

But similar to other positions, I think just a top 4 LHD does nothing for us, we are frankly overflowing with #3s-#4s in our system just like we are with potential middle sixers. Trade quantity for quality or don't trade at all.

 

[kilowatt]

I'd rather try him on wing than trade him. He still has so much potential. He's super young and doesn't have a ton of NHL experience. Put him in a position to succeed and I think he will. No, he's probably not going to be carrying his own line any time soon, but I'd love to see what he can do on the right wing next to Iafallo and Danault. He's one of only four right-handed forwards on the roster! Arvidsson, Brown, Kupari, and Vilardi. That's it.

We have some promising right-handed forwards in the pipeline though. Thomas, Madden, Dudas, Tkachov, Fagemo, Chromiak, Simontaival, and Laferriere.

 

[FSL KINGS]

Vilardi isn't an established center yet. Some of the players listed would take Vilardi in a package & NOT 1 for 1. Maybe a player that's going to get a large bump in pay can be had for a cost controlled, high end Center prospect. Players I'd consider trading Vilardi or Vilardi+ for.
Chychrun. Unlikely being moved.

Pastrnak: Bos needs C's & Pasta due a large contract. UFA 2 years, can't happen until extension until after year.

Byram: Avs need help now, unlikely

Laine: Seems happy in CBJ

Flames might have a soon to be paid big winger to swap for a C, but I'm not going on record suggesting that.

Puljujärvi: if not bridged & a big contract due, Oilers may run into cap

Kakko: Maybe, haven't checked on him in a while.

Sergachev

Outside a player like that coming back, just wait it out.

Edit: Vilardi has a good shot & may turn into that sniper the Kings are looking for.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

The sooner everyone--us, the organization, Vilardi himself--embraces the idea that he's a Corey Perry-esque winger without the antics, the better off everyone will be.

If he gets traded before that, we will regret it.

 

[TruKingFan]

Gabe is under real pressure to redefine his game in order to remain on the roster. He can't sit there watching the Kings reel off 7-game win streak under Covid freaking protocol and think to himself he can just reclaim that spot AND play the same way. Amazingly quick how Kupari has shown better progress in that short time.If he can't with the Kings , then I reluctantly trade him. But Kings have to give him EVERY chance to do so.

 

[Fishhead]

I think it's likely because as outlined above his value is likely at least a late 1st or at worst an early 2nd.

But similar to other positions, I think just a top 4 LHD does nothing for us, we are frankly overflowing with #3s-#4s in our system just like we are with potential middle sixers. Trade quantity for quality or don't trade at all.

Yeah if Vilardi goes, it's part of a package for a difference-making D-man or an obvious forward upgrade. Otherwise it's not worth it.

But to the topic, the most expendable prospect is the one a team wants when offering you s trade for a key roster piece that significantly improves your future outlook.

 

[kilowatt]

Vilardi isn't an established center yet. Some of the players listed would take Vilardi in a package & NOT 1 for 1. Maybe a player that's going to get a large bump in pay can be had for a cost controlled, high end Center prospect. Players I'd consider trading Vilardi or Vilardi+ for.
Chychrun. Unlikely being moved.

Pastrnak: Bos needs C's & Pasta due a large contract. UFA 2 years, can't happen until extension until after year.

Byram: Avs need help now, unlikely

Laine: Seems happy in CBJ

Flames might have a soon to be paid big winger to swap for a C, but I'm not going on record suggesting that.

Puljujärvi: if not bridged & a big contract due, Oilers may run into cap

Kakko: Maybe, haven't checked on him in a while.

Sergachev

Outside a player like that coming back, just wait it out.

Edit: Vilardi has a good shot & may turn into that sniper the Kings are looking for.

You're out of your mind lmao

 

[FSL KINGS]

You're out of your mind lmao

Had a lot of coffee. Lol
Not intrested in swapping Vilardi for another prospect. Asked what I'd move him for. There may be a few others that were missed, but it would have to be a difference maker.

Stone got moved when the Sens didn't want to pay for his raise. Maybe another opportunity like that comes up. If not, we wait.

 

[kilowatt]

Had a lot of coffee. Lol
Not intrested in swapping Vilardi for another prospect. Asked what I'd move him for. There may be a few others that were missed, but it would have to be a difference maker.

Stone got moved when the Sens didn't want to pay for his raise. Maybe another opportunity like that comes up. If not, we wait.

I agree, I just don't think Vilardi's shown anything at the NHL level to be anything but a secondary piece at best for the worst of your list, nevermind the best.

Shift Vilardi to the wing and tell him to shoot the f***ing puck. Stick him with a defensive forward and a playmaker.

Here's my dream scenario:

Brown - Kopitar - Arvidsson
Iafallo - Danault - Vilardi
Kempe - Kupari - Kaliyev
Lemieux - Lizotte - Moore

The only things that really change are that we sub out Athanasiou and Grundstrom. I don't know, maybe I'm just crazy, but I feel like Vilardi has been relied upon to be "the guy" on his line since he was called up. Not sure what happens when Andersson is back too, though.

 

[Rorschach]

I want to wait. I’m good with Blake’s current strategy of acquiring stuff for as little as possible. People here are saying “look at Kupari, he’s taking what would have been Vilardi’s spot” but Kupari has had longer in the org to get here. I’d like to give Vilardi the same time at least…he was a higher rated prospect/pick.

 

[Herby]

Vilardi isn't an established center yet. Some of the players listed would take Vilardi in a package & NOT 1 for 1. Maybe a player that's going to get a large bump in pay can be had for a cost controlled, high end Center prospect. Players I'd consider trading Vilardi or Vilardi+ for.
Chychrun. Unlikely being moved.

Pastrnak: Bos needs C's & Pasta due a large contract. UFA 2 years, can't happen until extension until after year.

Byram: Avs need help now, unlikely

Laine: Seems happy in CBJ

Flames might have a soon to be paid big winger to swap for a C, but I'm not going on record suggesting that.

Puljujärvi: if not bridged & a big contract due, Oilers may run into cap

Kakko: Maybe, haven't checked on him in a while.

Sergachev

Outside a player like that coming back, just wait it out.

Edit: Vilardi has a good shot & may turn into that sniper the Kings are looking for.

I think that your valuation of Vilardi is pretty far off from the likely reality. Gabe's skating is just going to be a huge obstacle for him to ever be able to overcome. At 22 he is kind of at the crossroads of his career.

 

[FSL KINGS]

I think that your valuation of Vilardi is pretty far off from the likely reality. Gabe's skating is just going to be a huge obstacle for him to ever be able to overcome. At 22 he is kind of at the crossroads of his career.

What's the market for top 6 centers right now? Hertl if the Sharks don't resign him. What's the market for top 6 center prospects? Who is actually in a position to move one?

Teams off the top of my head that need a center, Flames, Bruins, Avalanche, Rangers. Islanders maybe.

If the Kings aren't putting Vilardi in a package for a better player. Why trade him?

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Another variable to consider is that we are getting to a point where a contract decision is going to have to be made. The Kings really need to have some questions answered about Vilardi’s future so that they can plan their own. Vilardi is option one but I hope he gets packaged for a young defenseman if the third option is upping the pay while banking on a breakthrough.

 

[Fat Elvis]

I think Madden is.

Gabe has shown to be affective, just not consistently. I'm a fan of him and was hoping to see the fruits of that pre-season line, but injuries de-railed that before game 1.
Too early to panic, but if the Right deal comes along, it should be looked at.

 

[Kurrilino]

What's you guys obsession with trading away players?

His career so far has been more then unfortunate.
First his back, then Covid.
This guys has an insane amount of raw talent.
If we gave Iafallo and Kempe a couple of years to find their game, we should absolutely should to Vilardi.
Right now, it seems it payed off to be patient with Kempe and Iafallo.

IMO this is in general the right aproach.
In the worst case he busts out here. I would prefer that over sending him away for almost nothing to see him explode somewhere else.

With that said, this guys really needs a skating coach.
I don't know how, but his skating got worse compared to last season. It's not his average speed, it's the stumbling around that makes me head scratch.
It looks more like head case to me. He got cocky with his unlimited talent but hit reality when other guys were able to stop him.
1 more year in the minors would be in his best interest to find his game at a professional level and build confidence

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Another variable to consider is that we are getting to a point where a contract decision is going to have to be made. The Kings really need to have some questions answered about Vilardi’s future so that they can plan their own. Vilardi is option one but I hope he gets packaged for a young defenseman if the third option is upping the pay while banking on a breakthrough.

I don't think either side would be doing more than a 1-2 year contract at this stage.

 

[johnjm22]

When the Kings acquired Lias Andersson from the Rangers for a late 2nd round pick, Lias was in a similar situation as Vilardi is now: a struggling former 1st round pick.

You've got to think Vilardi's value is probably something similar.

IMO, since he likely has such little value, you might as well hold on to him and try and develop him on wing.

With the Kings having a lot of prospects Vilardi should be concerned about getting passed up on the organization depth chart. Kupari and Kaliyev have likely passed him already.

 

[SAK11]

For those that are willing to trade Vilardi, what about a deal for Erik Brannstrom? Same age, same draft, he's a puck-moving LD which I've seen mentioned here by a few of you as a team need. Ottawa's coaching staff seems down on him, and Ottawa could certainly use a skilled forward like Vilardi.

 

[Trash Panda]

For those that are willing to trade Vilardi, what about a deal for Erik Brannstrom? Same age, same draft, he's a puck-moving LD which I've seen mentioned here by a few of you as a team need. Ottawa's coaching staff seems down on him, and Ottawa could certainly use a skilled forward like Vilardi.

We have a Brannstrom in Clauge, and he won’t cost us Gabe to keep around.

Hard pass.

 

[KingTech]

For those that are willing to trade Vilardi, what about a deal for Erik Brannstrom? Same age, same draft, he's a puck-moving LD which I've seen mentioned here by a few of you as a team need. Ottawa's coaching staff seems down on him, and Ottawa could certainly use a skilled forward like Vilardi.

No thanks Brannstrom is far to small for what we are looking for. If Thomas Chabot ever becomes available lets us know please

 

[Schmooley]

I dont think hes the most expendable. Realistically very few of these prospects will make it. Beyond this year you are looking at a bunch of guys trying to fight for 3 spots if they stick with kempe and Aa.
Arvi - kopitar - aa/kempe
Iafallo - danult - aa/kempe
X - byfield - x
Lemieux - x - moore
Doesnt leave much room for any prospects and none will get a shot in the top 6 if they bring back aa and kempe. So andersson, jad, vilardi, turcotte, kupari, kaliyev, fagemo, madden, thomas, chromiak, lizotte, grundstrom, wagner, helenius will be fighting for 3 spots and 2 healthy scratch spots

 

[lumbergh]

I dont think hes the most expendable. Realistically very few of these prospects will make it. Beyond this year you are looking at a bunch of guys trying to fight for 3 spots if they stick with kempe and Aa.
Arvi - kopitar - aa/kempe
Iafallo - danult - aa/kempe
X - byfield - x
Lemieux - x - moore
Doesnt leave much room for any prospects and none will get a shot in the top 6 if they bring back aa and kempe. So vilardi, turcotte, kupari, kaliyev, fagemo, madden, thomas, chromiak, lizotte, grundstrom, wagner will be fighting for 3 spots and 2 healthy scratch spots

Plenty of prospects more “expendable” than Gabe Vilardi. I’d trade any number of secondary prospects (Madden, Fagemo, Chomiak, Simontaival, etc.) before Vilardi. He needs time to round out his game in Ontario. Things like his play away from the puck, along the boards, little things that others have had time to work on.

 

[BigKing]

When the Kings acquired Lias Andersson from the Rangers for a late 2nd round pick, Lias was in a similar situation as Vilardi is now: a struggling former 1st round pick.

You've got to think Vilardi's value is probably something similar.

IMO, since he likely has such little value, you might as well hold on to him and try and develop him on wing.

With the Kings having a lot of prospects Vilardi should be concerned about getting passed up on the organization depth chart. Kupari and Kaliyev have likely passed him already.

I was going to post that Lias went higher than Vilardi in the same draft and got moved for a 2nd. Now, Vilardi has put up better tape than Lias had and also didn't have the organization issues like Lias but, at the same time, nobody is ponying up a 1st round pick for him right now.

My posting history is very pro-Vilardi and I've routinely said he is probably the most skilled high-end prospect we have. I thought this skill would be enough to overcome the skating but it hasn't been so far. For a guy that seemingly has conditioning issues, you've got to be worried about the COVID thing now as well.

 

[kilowatt]

I was going to post that Lias went higher than Vilardi in the same draft and got moved for a 2nd. Now, Vilardi has put up better tape than Lias had and also didn't have the organization issues like Lias but, at the same time, nobody is ponying up a 1st round pick for him right now.

My posting history is very pro-Vilardi and I've routinely said he is probably the most skilled high-end prospect we have. I thought this skill would be enough to overcome the skating but it hasn't been so far. For a guy that seemingly has conditioning issues, you've got to be worried about the COVID thing now as well.

If anything, COVID and a long conditioning stint might be the best thing for him. It takes some of the "shame" out of being demoted, but lets him go down and get back up to speed. He was killer in preseason, arguably the best player on the ice most nights.

He's also only played a handful of games this season with varying linemates during an extended period of poor play by the whole team.

 

[Rorschach]

I’m thinking the idea of putting him back to the AHL to help fix his skating should be good. Dev him like we did with Tyler Toffoli.