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Speculation: Kings need to reset the pipeline for this deep draft when teams are desperate.

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Surf Nutz said:
Iafollo - Is very unlikely to be traded, he is the engine oil that keeps the engine running smoothly wherever it is needed. Seen earlier this season. Very good with byfield, Kopitar loves playing with him and palyed well on other lines too. Plus he surfs!

Durzi- I wouldn't trade Sean unless it is a definite upgrade both on D and O. If he improves on D in the next couple seasons, he will be a commodity and we need his offense. 3d + PP.

JAD- Very tradeable but whats he worth a 3rd or 4th?
Walker- Very tradeable but would need an upgrade to go into the current lineup.

Lemieux- Can not afford to lose any grit or even pseudo toughness. Wants to be here, negotiated down in price.

L Anderson- Very tradeable but only worth a 3rd probably.

This is why nothing has happend yet.
I encourage Uncle Rob to continue to wait until closer to the TDL and not get taken advantage of.
Building up assets and protecting them is a good thing.

Not burning elc's and delaying FA are very smart moves that pay dividends if you get to true contender status.
Sell high make moves at the opportune moment.
Not when the whole world know you are in a weak spot.
Big moves are made to get you to contender status not from struggling to long shot status.
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I’d trade Durzi in a second. He doesn’t play a winning brand of hockey
 
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Axl Rhoadz said:
Dude, even when this team was on a tear last season, this board was full of gripes. It’s quite disturbing.
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I wouldn't call it on a tear.
It's more like the other teams in our division are incredible bad, which inflated our statistics.
There is no way we would have been a top 3 team in any other division.

If 5 out of 8 teams rebuilding, the other 3 teams who actually try to field an NHL roster look almighty.

Pointing this out last season lead to laughter because we were blinded by success.
This season people get back to reality
 
No Name The Nameless said:
I’d trade Durzi in a second. He doesn’t play a winning brand of hockey
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For what? A second round pick is all you would get right now with Gm's well aware of Blakes RHD surplus and the teams poor performance, in my imo. I know Durzi trips over land mines most games but we need his scoring and he quarterbacks the new and improved PP. Others have said it , he is sheltered 3rd pair material other than that. We need a 2nd pair LHD that can add toughness, not easy to acquire.
 
Raccoon Jesus said:
And imagine that...the things that we were complaining about then as warnings have come back to roost even worse this season.
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Let's see, I remember him arguing hugely against the possibility of Kempe regressing? Check. And probably one of the most argued about things last year, the PP unit that has no Kopi and Doughty and focuses on Kaliyev cross seam passes would be more effective? Check. Goaltending a huge issue that wasn't addressed? Check.
 
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Kurrilino said:
I wouldn't call it on a tear.
It's more like the other teams in our division are incredible bad, which inflated our statistics.
There is no way we would have been a top 3 team in any other division.

If 5 out of 8 teams rebuilding, the other 3 teams who actually try to field an NHL roster look almighty.

Pointing this out last season lead to laughter because we were blinded by success.
This season people get back to reality
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You keep saying that, but it holds no water. The Kings amassed 98 points while having a pretty shitty record against the Pacific division.
 
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YAYSAy said:
Let's see, I remember him arguing hugely against the possibility of Kempe regressing? Check. And probably one of the most argued about things last year, the PP unit that has no Kopi and Doughty and focuses on Kaliyev cross seam passes would be more effective? Check. Goaltending a huge issue that wasn't addressed? Check.
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LHD and goaltending pipeline? Check.
 
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Raccoon Jesus said:
And imagine that...the things that we were complaining about then as warnings have come back to roost even worse this season.
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I was dancing around, singing in fire everybody last season before they turned it around in 2022. So I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. But they must make the playoffs and progress would be making it to the 2nd round, technically. Vegas is puttin on a show for the most part and Kraken are an improved Production just in the Pacific divy alone So I get the panic, especially with our poor Performance on D and in goal. But I am reserving judgement on what Blake can do before the TDL and what the team can do before the playoffs. Then, if they let me down, I will audition for a part in the fan's "Panic in L.A" musical they have been rehearsing here all season.
 
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Surf Nutz said:
For what? A second round pick is all you would get right now with Gm's well aware of Blakes RHD surplus and the teams poor performance, in my imo. I know Durzi trips over land mines most games but we need his scoring and he quarterbacks the new and improved PP. Others have said it , he is sheltered 3rd pair material other than that. We need a 2nd pair LHD that can add toughness, not easy to acquire.
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He's a destabilizing force on the backend..its not just his skating and size, its his intuition on defense that is the problem. I would say sure keep him on the 3rd pair, keep him off the pk, and it could work BUT there are better options - spence for 1 who is more disciplined, better skater and has a very hard snap shot. Then there is Clarke who has just as much offensive moxie as Durzi... point being, Durzi doesnt have a future here so move on... I hate this from a human perspective because i like everything he has accomplished and forced his way into the lineup he has the balls we all like to see.
 
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AbsentMojo said:
He's a destabilizing force on the backend..its not just his skating and size, its his intuition on defense that is the problem. I would say sure keep him on the 3rd pair, keep him off the pk, and it could work BUT there are better options - spence for 1 who is more disciplined, better skater and has a very hard snap shot. Then there is Clarke who has just as much offensive moxie as Durzi... point being, Durzi doesnt have a future here so move on... I hate this from a human perspective because i like everything he has accomplished and forced his way into the lineup he has the balls we all like to see.
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Love Spence but he does not yet QB a PP anywhere as good as Durzi but I feel Blake should make room for him to come up with moves around the TDL. Clarke did not put up many points, is not strong enough defensively or to protect himself with the Kings lacking deterrents. I liked his play with the Kings but was a bit disappointed with his stint in Ottawa. He should go to team Canada and be further evaluated and probably seasoned elsewhere until next year. I would save the ELC year and get the extra year until FA. I know I am the minority with this opinion. I like Blake's management of hoarding prospects and depth. He should have held Byfield off last year. I understand the fans frustration and desire to see prospects especially when the team under performs.
 
Other teams thinking Roy or Walker will find their way into the waiver wire and playing chicken with Blake which is why Toby was sent down. I think we need to move one of the two of those guys asap. Durzi can go at the deadline for the first just keep letting him rack up points even if he loses games for us.

With our goaltending we will not be a playoff team this year over the course of 82. Quick is going to tire out and cal needs a good stint in Ontario before he gets brought back up.

With Iafollo coming back up Vilardi is on the bubble and that is not acceptable. If you guys want QB back up then Iafollo has to go.

So Iafollo and Durzi trade deadline bait for hopefully a first and a 2nd round pick in a very deep draft. Then you can call Byfield back up at the TDL and get Brandt Clarke top 4 minutes with Anderson and put Toby with drew. Spence and Edler on the third pairing.

We would have a shitload of cap room 2 1sts and 2 2nd round picks and probably 3 3rds that gives Yanetti all kinds of maneuverability at the draft. Just need to address goaltending in the off-season.

Draft the best goalies available with our first 2nd and 3rd round picks.
 
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Axl Rhoadz said:
You keep saying that, but it holds no water. The Kings amassed 98 points while having a pretty shitty record against the Pacific division.
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I don't get why cling to those 98 points.
In the central division we would have NOT gotten 98 points.

We were a shitty team last season and we are slightly worse this season.
Yes, we will most likely reach the playoff but this won't change that this team is going nowhere.


A look at the Calgary Flames and the Canucks should cure anyone in a blink of an eye, when watching what will happen to mediocre teams, that barely make the playoff by exceptional circumstances, being eliminated in the first round.

I simply and plain don't want to watch this garbage.
Just admit the team isn't in a position to compete and start adjusting.
Glaring holes in key positions are not filled by fringe playoff appearances.

We are by far not done rebuilding, regardless how furious it makes people.
So instead of plugging holes to watch a veteran reunion tour, while destroying any hope of a future,
we should pair the unwilling veterans with even more shitty veterans and carefully nurture the youngsters
while collecting great draft picks.

Axl Rhoadz said:
Yah, like all the warnings over Olli Maatta being the worst dman to ever lace up skates.
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This is not what he is talking about and you know it
 
I’d rather move on from all of these late 2010s legacy players. Iafallo, Kempe, Walker, Roy, time to move on and start turning over the team to players who aren’t used to constant mediocrity.

Let Quick retire and sign a journeyman to try to stabilize the position until you properly develop a new goaltender.

See if Kopitar will re-sign for sub $6 million and play a reduced role. If not, goodnight sweet prince.

Start turning over the team and TOI to players like Byfield, Vilardi, Kaliyev, and Clarke. Those four players could be the beginning of a new core.

Let players like Danault and Arvidsson mentor and contribute as much as they can.

Who knows what Doughty wants to do. Trade him if you can. He’s no longer a #1 D outside of TOI. But I don’t think anyone in the league is touching his contract so it’s probably moot.

Oh, and of course, fire Blake and TMac if you’re actually serious about building a Cup winner.

I should just continue closing all of my posts with that, similar to the Roman Senator who always closed his addresses with “and for the record Carthage must be destroyed.”
 
Durzi is currently on pace for 55 points.

He's part of the reason the 2nd PP unit is doing so well IMO.

He's just being misued by the coach. He could be a very positive player for us.

That said, if he scores 50 this year, he could be a very, VERY valuable trade piece. And with Clarke in the pipeline, it could make sense to move Sean if there's a very nice deal there.
 
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Surf Nutz said:
Love Spence but he does not yet QB a PP anywhere as good as Durzi but I feel Blake should make room for him to come up with moves around the TDL. Clarke did not put up many points, is not strong enough defensively or to protect himself with the Kings lacking deterrents. I liked his play with the Kings but was a bit disappointed with his stint in Ottawa. He should go to team Canada and be further evaluated and probably seasoned elsewhere until next year. I would save the ELC year and get the extra year until FA. I know I am the minority with this opinion. I like Blake's management of hoarding prospects and depth. He should have held Byfield off last year. I understand the fans frustration and desire to see prospects especially when the team under performs.
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I agree with your assessments - but how many PP do they get a game, and how many times will Koala even allow the second unit out there (maybe 50/50).. Now consider the minutes Spence could play sounder D plus he's no slouch offensively.. He is great at moving the puck out of the zone.. Durzi is not as good at breaking out. I think you net them out and its a wash. All that said, this year they prob are not going to make any noise, so its not critical to do this.. but in general if you pencil in Durzi as your third pair RHD.. where do Spence and Clarke squeeze in going fwd?
 
AbsentMojo said:
I agree with your assessments - but how many PP do they get a game, and how many times will Koala even allow the second unit out there (maybe 50/50).. Now consider the minutes Spence could play sounder D plus he's no slouch offensively.. He is great at moving the puck out of the zone.. Durzi is not as good at breaking out. I think you net them out and its a wash. All that said, this year they prob are not going to make any noise, so its not critical to do this.. but in general if you pencil in Durzi as your third pair RHD.. where do Spence and Clarke squeeze in going fwd?
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Tmac has promoted the Durzi Danault PP unit to top billing the last few games. Hiller may be insisting on it but their job stability has been suffering before that regardless. Kings have not had a D qbing the PP like this since Visnovsky. DD had some good moments but was a lower tier and has regressed. Posters have been screaming for a new #1 PP for years. The D doesn't really break out on the PP, they set it up so the forwards have options to get the puck into the O zone. Blake has moves to make, when sellers are defined and prices are more reasonable closer to the TDL. Then Spence may have a spot and get called up. Then you can try him on a PP unit. Maybe even with SD. He has been excellent on the PP in Ontario. He was exposed on D in the playoffs vs, Edm.
 
johnjm22 said:
Durzi is currently on pace for 55 points.

He's part of the reason the 2nd PP unit is doing so well IMO.

He's just being misued by the coach. He could be a very positive player for us.

That said, if he scores 50 this year, he could be a very, VERY valuable trade piece. And with Clarke in the pipeline, it could make sense to move Sean if there's a very nice deal there.
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Exactly. People are going to have to start asking the important questions...pick 3 out of this group:

Doughty
Durzi
Spence
Clarke
Roy
Walker
Grans

It's going to come down to Spence or Durzi.....
 
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Surf Nutz said:
For what? A second round pick is all you would get right now with Gm's well aware of Blakes RHD surplus and the teams poor performance, in my imo. I know Durzi trips over land mines most games but we need his scoring and he quarterbacks the new and improved PP. Others have said it , he is sheltered 3rd pair material other than that. We need a 2nd pair LHD that can add toughness, not easy to acquire.
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Yup. A second, a third. Doesn’t matter. See you later. Welcome back Spence.
 
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Kurrilino said:
I don't get why cling to those 98 points.
In the central division we would have NOT gotten 98 points.

We were a shitty team last season and we are slightly worse this season.
Yes, we will most likely reach the playoff but this won't change that this team is going nowhere.


A look at the Calgary Flames and the Canucks should cure anyone in a blink of an eye, when watching what will happen to mediocre teams, that barely make the playoff by exceptional circumstances, being eliminated in the first round.

I simply and plain don't want to watch this garbage.
Just admit the team isn't in a position to compete and start adjusting.
Glaring holes in key positions are not filled by fringe playoff appearances.

We are by far not done rebuilding, regardless how furious it makes people.
So instead of plugging holes to watch a veteran reunion tour, while destroying any hope of a future,
we should pair the unwilling veterans with even more shitty veterans and carefully nurture the youngsters
while collecting great draft picks.


This is not what he is talking about and you know it
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Pretty sure the mandate for Blake and Tmac is make the playoffs and build up, not rebuild, at this point, the team.
Taking Edmonton to 7 was a great show. Game 6 was the opportunity to really surprise but they were ahead of schedule, regardless.
The Kings will need to replicate last seasons post holiday performance this year or they may not even make the playoffs, especially the way LV and the Krackheads have come on. If you make the playoffs you have the opportunity to show what you can do with all the chips are on the line and that is where your season gets measured. After last years run, continuing a rebuild would be insane. Passing up on the opportunity lock up Fiala would have been stupid. I like what Blake is doing, but we may be seeing regression this year. The impatience of posters here is very bad advice and completely on a different page than the one the entire franchise is on.
 
No Name The Nameless said:
Yup. A second, a third. Doesn’t matter. See you later. Welcome back Spence.
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The Kings wont even consider that, his offensive upside is too tantalizing. Especially with the PP unit the last few games. I understand the hearts he breaks with his defense and the emotional but uneconomic responses.
If they can correct and minimize his defensive lapses, he is a winner. 3rd pair PP specialist only as many have touted. Spence needs to work on his D and come up for Roy/Walker/ Edler when the time is right, possible around the TDL. If Durzi is cast of cheaply and breaks out with another team it could be added to the cumulative look at Blakes employment status so it wont happen unless a comparable or better replacement is coming back in the deal.
 
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