I have never understood how anyone thinks TB would deal Sergachev....no cup contending team trades one of their top young D, for anything - especially futures.
I am hopeful the Kings can add 2 more pieces this Summer. I think stay away from the 6+ million targets; Gaudreau, Kadri, Forsberg...and target the next level UFA, like Nick Paul, Nichushkin, Burakovsky, Mason Marchment., or even Ilya Mikheyev....since Russians do not do well here....would have to sign Malkin and Mikheyev. LOL . I wonder if Malkin stays in Pittsburgh..but he's 35 and makes little sense here.
Now, if Blake could somehow deal Iafallo and his 4 million, there could be room for Forsberg od Gaudreau.
AI is now a 3rd liner, period. And not ideal to be paying 4 million to a 3rd liner. Even without dealing AI, there could be room for a Forsberg or Gaudreau, but it would be easier, to absorb, by removing a 4 million dollar 3rd winger, that could be replaced with a 1.5 million one. I'd even prefer a little size and toughness on the 3rd line, whicj AI is not.
Some of the youth MUST elevate:
1. Byfield to 13-15 minute 3rd line center. MUST be on the PP. Maybe even unit 1. He does well when he has room and playing with better talent. I think he's motivated and will add 10 more lbs and be ready. Seriously,.
2. Kaliyev - he's rounded oout his game., Now is the time to get him in top 6 and PP 1 and get him to hone his offense to the next level.
3. Kupari. He has such taklent, speed and good size...plays a good 200 foot game and can be physical.
Like Kempe took 5 years, Rasmus maytake 3-4. i'd prefer to keep him and get him to a higher level, then to trade him. His trade value is proibably OK, but the potential is much more. He will not hurt you ever - and be good 3rd liner now. Versatile and can play w or c.
4. Vilardi. I think he is hungry and wants to play. He did ok on wing . He looked good the last week of the season and didn't get a real chance in playoffs...kind of like Rasmus, if they trade him, not a lot of trade value and more value if he elevates his game more. Would prefer to keep him.
I expect other young players to elevate more:
5. Durzi, since he knows he can play at this level. Add some strength. Since Spence can play NHL hockey and Drew will be back and Clarke may actually make the team - I can see Durzi as a trade chip and that's ok.
Love his compete and drive. I'm okay, if he's packaged for a top 6 forward.
6. Clarke, He's played in a men's league at 18. And then was just possibly the best defenseman in the CHL.
He's 6'2" 200 and getting stronger and worked hard on his defense this year. Since he's probably close to skating now, should stay in LA this Summer and work with trainers. If he does not make the team, fine. But he's so gifted and if Drew played at 18, this kid can play at 19. Juniors will not make him better. To bad he cannot play AHL.
I think this kid will be a legit talent.
7. Chromiak. He'll be 20 in August. With a good Summer of strength training, he may have a shot to make it.
He may have the best offensive skills among all the youth; QB and Arty included. I think if the Kings add a top 6 forward and move Arty up,. Chromiak starts in the AHL and that's fine.
8. Spence. Has a great future. He will work hard this Summer and be ready to make the team...a l;ot depends on what happens with Durzi, Walker, Clarke.
9. Grans had a good season. I saw him live in Colorado last week. Looks good, but will need better footspeed and will certainly keep impriving.
10. Akil Thomas. Too bad he missed so much time this year, but I think he's an NHL player. Smart, great shot. Character.
11. Fagemo. Hard to know if he will make the grade. Also would include Madden and JAD in that group.
They are all good prospects, but do not see them fitting in next season. Maybe 1 gets traded in a package?
Rob is going to have to deal a few of these guys soon...Helenius and Lee were just added and could not even have room in the AHL playoffs.
12. Faber. Still marinating ion college. I hope he was straight with Rob on what his FUTURE inteantions are.
I am sure they talked about NEXT year, if he would consider signing after Jr season. If Brock gave him no indication....would be worried. If Brock said he wants to finish college and explore his options, trading him to the Wild may have to be consdered. Sucks. Would not sell him low.
13. Turcotte. Alex said at the time he returned "we eventually found a good program and got me back...I was happy again" I'm sure he's back in that 'right' program now. Get him healthy.
Probably forgot some. This may be the Summer, a few prospects are dealt. I trust Rob and his trades!
He's done very well in deals.
the (currently) 19th overall.
there will be a good prospect there. either a gifted offensive player that falls there..or a big D.
If this pick is packaged, it had better be for a top 4 LHD or top 6 winger. That package could include
Toby, perhaps and another good young player, ala Kupari...but this acquisition had better be an impact player, under age 28. I don;t want to see: Edler, Maatta, AA back, period. Need all the money they can muster, for IMPACTFUL PLAYER upgrades.
