News Article: Kings are a franchise built to last (Vey on next years team?)

[BigBrown]

Scuderi went from a Stanley Cup winner to us, a bottom 5 team if you remember. I could see teams like the Oilers or Islanders potentially offering him 4-5 million so I wouldn't be surprised to see him go for the money once again. It'd suck but it's up to him since the Kings won't be able to match that kind of money.

 

[HYORI 1963]

Scuderi went from a Stanley Cup winner to us, a bottom 5 team if you remember. I could see teams like the Oilers or Islanders potentially offering him 4-5 million so I wouldn't be surprised to see him go for the money once again. It'd suck but it's up to him since the Kings won't be able to match that kind of money.

I would, because this would be his last contract. I'm sure he'd like to cash out but I'm also sure, he'd like another ring as well.

 

[BigBrown]

I would, because this would be his last contract. I'm sure he'd like to cash out but I'm also sure, he'd like another ring as well.

That's true, but you could also go the other way with it and say it's his last chance for a big paycheck, he already has two rings. But every player is different. I know I'm certainly hoping he stays.

 

[Albi]

It was last year. What if he never going to be the same player, because of injury?

So, every superstar who had a bad playoff after winning the cup should raise this kind of questions? I mean, it happened also to Yzerman, Fedorov, Malkin, Crosby...as always people is overreacting here

 

[sBarry]

I'm not 100% on this but isn't Marc-Andre Cliche on a 1 way deal this season? Maybe have him take over as the 4C or 13th forward if you lose a Fraser/Richardson/etc?Just another idea I thought should be thrown out there.

 

[KBA4life]

Someone care to provide an up to date scouting report on Vey. Obviously, he's a fairly slick passer, but how is his speed/physical/defensive play? The current NHL'r that he most resembles?

 

[northernKing]

If DL knows he's not bringing back Scuderi he should move him for a draft pick ASAP. He'll likely only get a 5-7th rd pick but something's better than nothing. Plus if he offers him up I think there could be minor bidding war for him. With our scouting staff the more picks the better! Maybe allows LA to take some boom or bust picks

 

[northernKing]

Someone care to provide an up to date scouting report on Vey. Obviously, he's a fairly slick passer, but how is his speed/physical/defensive play? The current NHL'r that he most resembles?

Since watching him a few times in junior he has reminded me of Clarke McArthur of Toronto but IMO a better passer

 

[KingsCorona]

Man, I'm so excited to see some of these kids come up. With the way Toffoli has played -- in the playoffs no less -- after just coming out of Manchester, I can't wait to see what his old line mates are capable of! We're gonna have some new faces coming out of camp, I think!

 

[etherialone]

Someone care to provide an up to date scouting report on Vey. Obviously, he's a fairly slick passer, but how is his speed/physical/defensive play? The current NHL'r that he most resembles?

I have written a ton on Vey since the year before his draft and all the way through his development. If you have the time and want to take a look through my post history you can find a bunch of info including interviews with him and his coaches etc.

In short Vey plays a game not dissimilar to Carters (only obviously at the same stages of their development and considering other factors) only Vey plays with more desperation and doesn't have the same ridiculous release (unbelievable release on Carter). He is a smooth skater who draws his speed through long drawn full strokes. This makes him fast but not particularly quick. When he gets up to speed he is right there with the best of them but he is average getting there (average first step).

His center of gravity is higher up then most pivots making him easier to knock around but he compensates for it by having better than average smarts giving him time to brace for a hit either received or given.

He likes to shoot up and has better than average accuracy. Not a great dangler but he is better than average at it. He is rarely rattled and doesn't lose focus just because he gets hit all too often.

His upside to me is a great 3rd or good 2nd line C. He still needs to get heavy for his size (last check he was game weight 182lbs). He could use another 10lbs of muscle to help him with the rigors of contact in the NHL.

He could use a little mean in his game and can be moved out of the crease a little to easily but that isn't really his game so it isn't a big deal.

Good young player who could be a very good one.

 

[Rorschach]

I would never get rid of Fraser. He isn't exactly breaking the bank and he's an important depth player with playoff experience. $825,000 is nothing.

I agree. Get rid of King and play Fraser.

I have a feeling Fraser will play better this year...because it's a contract year.

 

[Rorschach]

It's not so much about the money -- he makes peanuts as far as NHL players go -- but that he takes up a roster spot. Let's face it, he's not very versatile, and as far as I'm concerned, doesn't bring much -- let alone energy -- to the table. A guy like Richardson is perfect for a 13/14F role, and if we can buyout Fraser, I'd try and re-sign him.

Maybe you're right about Fraser. But no way a player like Richardson can replace him. Richardson only plays ok when he's sitting on the bench for a long time then gets a game here and there. I wish there were such things as half NHL minimum and half roster-spots. Richardson is one of those. He has NEVER proven himself to be an everyday player where as Fraser has been for one year.

Both of these guys are borderline NHL players who need way too much motivation in order to play the Kings' game.

 

[Rorschach]

Only thing that worries me about moving Stoll and bringing up Vey is, how strong is Vey on faceoffs? Our strength on the PK is that we have 4 C's that can win a faceoff. I just worry that going from MR/Carter, Kopi/Brown, Stoll/Lewis to Vey/Lewis makes us weaker on the PK especially with the possibility of losing Scuds.

None of these rookies can replace Stoll. Stoll is our best PKer, a glue guy off the ice, a veteran who has been in the finals twice, a tenacious checker, he has an abnormally good shot for a bottom six guy when he uses it, and he's a core player in the organization. And every playoffs we've been in, he's stepped up bigtime especially in games when we're down in the series.

No rookie is going to come up and just replace him. Not even one as good as Toffoli. If anything, we need Stoll and have Vey play with him and hang out with him. Stoll on another team would wear an A.

 

[AKAY47]

I personally don't think Stoll will be moved, in fact I think he's one of the safer guys on the roster. He just does so many things. How many spots that are opened up depends on DL.

I see a couple holes, regardless of what ends up happening in the playoffs this year.

1. SAH defensman. Not sure what is going to happen with Scuds. If he does depart, odds are very low that the position would be filled from within. DL is going to find a replacement. I'm assuming that Mitchell is done.

2. Penner's spot. If Dustin goes, I think odds are about 50/50 this is filled from within by Toffoli. A lot of it depends on money available from RFA's and the defense spot.


If what Ferreira says plays out, the most likely case is the Kings going Kopitar-Richards-Stoll-Vey down the middle. I don't think Pearson is up next season.

If that plays out, space is going to be made by Richardson's departure. I agree that Fras is going to stick around, he's good bang for buck, and can sit a few games and not miss a beat.

If the Kings grab a winger and want to trade to open a spot, what's likely? Lewis isn't going anywhere, he's a key to our bottom 6. I think there is a small chance that Clifford is traded, but the deal would have to be one that DL loves (like packaged with Bernier for a very good winger with a manageable salary.)

The most likely suspect to be moved IMO is Nolan, followed by King. I like Jordan's intensity, but he is the kind of guy that other GM's are going to inquire about.

I'm curious to see what happens with Toffoli. He's earned a spot already in my eyes, he's produced more than expected every time he's been inserted in the lineup. He obviously has chemistry with Vey, but he needs more than 4th line minutes.

The best post in this whole thread. You can't just trade Stoll? Did you guys not see how much we struggled without him in the faceoff circle? The guy is very important to the squad and just because Linden Vey starts out centering the 4th line, it does not mean he'll stick there all season. Coaches do change the line combinations throughout the season (as we know well with Terry Murray). My guess is Vey takes Richardson's spot as that 13th/14th forward.

You can't give up Colin Fraser either. This isn't NHL 14, we're not playing video games. He can be a healthy scratch for a few games and still not miss a beat, plus he's cheap, so I don't know why people are mentioning a buyout lol. The only spot I see missing (I hope we re-sign Scuderi/Voynov) is Penner. I think that'll either go to Pearson or whoever we trade Bernier for. Everyone thinks people like Jordan Nolan and Dwight King have value in this league. You'll be lucky to get a 4th round pick for Jordan Nolan (I know Westgarth fetched us a nice package but I think Carolina's GM was high at the time)

 

[KINGS17]

None of these rookies can replace Stoll. Stoll is our best PKer, a glue guy off the ice, a veteran who has been in the finals twice, a tenacious checker, he has an abnormally good shot for a bottom six guy when he uses it, and he's a core player in the organization. And every playoffs we've been in, he's stepped up bigtime especially in games when we're down in the series.

No rookie is going to come up and just replace him. Not even one as good as Toffoli. If anything, we need Stoll and have Vey play with him and hang out with him. Stoll on another team would wear an A.

Three times actually, but I get what you are saying. Stoll is clutch at the little things like that last faceoff in regulation in Game 5 in Chicago.

 

[HolyShot*]

Or he could be the 13th/14th forward in the lineup and the Kings may move one of their many bottom six wingers. With Penner and Richardson being impending free agents, the Kings may look like this (if they make no roster additions):

Brown-Kopitar-Williams
Pearson-Carter-Toffoli
Clifford-Richards-Vey
King-Stoll-Lewis

Scratches: Nolan, Fraser

Vey can play RW, so he may start on the wing until room opens up for him to play C. Maybe he can be a Briere like forward who can play C or RW in a pinch. Least here's hoping he will be that type of dynamic playmaking forward.

I don't see richards playing on the 3rd line.

 

[deeshamrock]

I don't see richards playing on the 3rd line.

Neither does Sutter.

But playing Spin Doctor is one of the best things about the HF, who should get traded , who should be moved where, what FA should be signed.
It's part of easing the frustration of being fan and playing couch coach.

 

[Herby]

Neither does Sutter.

But playing Spin Doctor is one of the best things about the HF, who should get traded , who should be moved where, what FA should be signed.
It's part of easing the frustration of being fan and playing couch coach.

Is Mike Richards a 3rd line talent on most teams? No, he most certainly isn't. But most teams don't have Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter as #1 and #2, and most teams don't have a bottom 6 as terrible as the Kings. And moving Carter back to RW is ridiculous when we already have Williams and Toffoli, plus an out of position Brown.

I think the one thing we learned from this playoffs is the Kings can't win a cup scoring 2 goals a night, the Kings need to add skill to the lineup and roll with 3 lines capable of scoring. Richards will still play on the #1 PP, and #2 PK, and be on the ice in key situations (like with the goalie pulled) but with Kopitar and Carter here it makes better sense for Richards to be play behind them at ES. Now hopefully Dean can go out and get or call up 2-3 capable wingers to fill out the lines. I would agree it would be a total waste having Richards center Lewis and black hole Clifford.

Richards centering Read (or an acquisition like him) and Holloway or Pearson would be a really solid 3rd line for the Kings,

 

[Captain Mittens*]

Is Mike Richards a 3rd line talent on most teams? No, he most certainly isn't. But most teams don't have Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter as #1 and #2, and most teams don't have a bottom 6 as terrible as the Kings. And moving Carter back to RW is ridiculous when we already have Williams and Toffoli, plus an out of position Brown.

I think the one thing we learned from this playoffs is the Kings can't win a cup scoring 2 goals a night, the Kings need to add skill to the lineup and roll with 3 lines capable of scoring. Richards will still play on the #1 PP, and #2 PK, and be on the ice in key situations (like with the goalie pulled) but with Kopitar and Carter here it makes better sense for Richards to be play behind them at ES. Now hopefully Dean can go out and get or call up 2-3 capable wingers to fill out the lines. I would agree it would be a total waste having Richards center Lewis and black hole Clifford.

Richards centering Read (or an acquisition like him) and Holloway or Pearson would be a really solid 3rd line for the Kings,

It's really hard to argue with any of this.

Winning is about depth and injuries and slumps by Kopitar, King, and Penner ****ing killed us. If the Kings have the depth to drop a guy like Richards down to the third line, you do it. It makes it that much harder for teams to match up with them

Good post Herb

 

[etherialone]

Is Mike Richards a 3rd line talent on most teams? No, he most certainly isn't. But most teams don't have Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter as #1 and #2, and most teams don't have a bottom 6 as terrible as the Kings. And moving Carter back to RW is ridiculous when we already have Williams and Toffoli, plus an out of position Brown.

I think the one thing we learned from this playoffs is the Kings can't win a cup scoring 2 goals a night, the Kings need to add skill to the lineup and roll with 3 lines capable of scoring. Richards will still play on the #1 PP, and #2 PK, and be on the ice in key situations (like with the goalie pulled) but with Kopitar and Carter here it makes better sense for Richards to be play behind them at ES. Now hopefully Dean can go out and get or call up 2-3 capable wingers to fill out the lines. I would agree it would be a total waste having Richards center Lewis and black hole Clifford.

Richards centering Read (or an acquisition like him) and Holloway or Pearson would be a really solid 3rd line for the Kings,

I agree.

That and we wouldn't be icing a traditional 3rd line so much as a hard hitting grinding 2nd 2nd line. It would also give us one hell of a 4rth line in Clifford/Stoll/Lewis.

I like the balance that having MR centering a pounding skilled line to follow two big centered skill lines would bring. It will give opposing coaches fits and when they think they have it figured out we send out a skilled very good D oriented 4rth line.

We could roll all 4 lines and with those combinations we can always adjust on the fly.

Not saying it will happen but it would be interesting.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

People get too hung up on numbering lines, and Richards being behind Kopitar and Carter doesn't mean he's a third line grinder/checker, but would help alleviate ice time for Kopitar and increase ice time for the other lines. Look at it as line 1A, 1B, and 1C (or 2A).

The Bruins 3rd line is as good as other teams' 2nd lines. That's the type of depth that is necessary for successful clubs. As already mentioned, how are you going to play matchup when you have three top quality lines to go up against?

 

[ShattStar03]

It's really hard to argue with any of this.

Winning is about depth and injuries and slumps by Kopitar, King, and Penner ****ing killed us. If the Kings have the depth to drop a guy like Richards down to the third line, you do it. It makes it that much harder for teams to match up with them

Good post Herb

I thought Penner did great in these playoffs.

 

[Whiskeypete]

People get too hung up on numbering lines, and Richards being behind Kopitar and Carter doesn't mean he's a third line grinder/checker, but would help alleviate ice time for Kopitar and increase ice time for the other lines. Look at it as line 1A, 1B, and 1C (or 2A).

The Bruins 3rd line is as good as other teams' 2nd lines. That's the type of depth that is necessary for successful clubs. As already mentioned, how are you going to play matchup when you have three top quality lines to go up against?

i think most everyone has been wanting to see this for quite some time. let's hope that Carter reinforced this thinking with DL and DS this postseason. having JW, TT and DB that can be slotted down the right side fills the three lines. the hard part will be filling the LW spots on all three. Pearson will be given a shot at one of those roster spots. will the rumored JB for Read trade go down and fill another? that leaves one LW spot open to fill and i hope it isn't D King filling that spot.

this C combo of 11-77-10-28 will give the team and Vey the chance to slowly bring him along. it also gives them enough center depth (barring injuries) to rotate any of them out of the line up, so they can get a night off. i would love to see DS one a week sitting one of them and playing Vey. he slowly works into the line up and the vets get an extra day of rest that come playoffs will only help.

LA and DL have to, no they MUST improve skill and speed on the wings moving forward. they already have the players that can play heavy, but now they need to add the next element so they aren't so one dimensional.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

i think most everyone has been wanting to see this for quite some time. let's hope that Carter reinforced this thinking with DL and DS this postseason. having JW, TT and DB that can be slotted down the right side fills the three lines. the hard part will be filling the LW spots on all three. Pearson will be given a shot at one of those roster spots. will the rumored JB for Read trade go down and fill another? that leaves one LW spot open to fill and i hope it isn't D King filling that spot.

this C combo of 11-77-10-28 will give the team and Vey the chance to slowly bring him along. it also gives them enough center depth (barring injuries) to rotate any of them out of the line up, so they can get a night off. i would love to see DS one a week sitting one of them and playing Vey. he slowly works into the line up and the vets get an extra day of rest that come playoffs will only help.

LA and DL have to, no they MUST improve skill and speed on the wings moving forward. they already have the players that can play heavy, but now they need to add the next element so they aren't so one dimensional.

If the aforementioned happens and Penner takes a significant pay cut and somehow bounces back to at least a 15-20 goal scorer, it could help fix the Kings' issue of depth at LW. It seems like Penner greatly benefited playing with Carter and Toffoli so I'd like to see that line kept intact if Penner is brought back.

Acquiring an affordable top six forward in Matt Read would be necessary in order for the Kings to have a deep alignment of offense on their top three lines. The Kings could keep Brown at LW on the top line or slide him down to LW or RW on another scoring line with Richards. One extra addition on offense can really add a lot of depth and options to the Kings forward lineup.

 

[lumbergh]

I thought Penner did great in these playoffs.

Define "great" for me please.