Kings who could be traded this summer

[Statto]

Doughty, parts of his game are annoying. That's not the issue. King's are at the cap, they are not a contender & can't get out of the first round.

Gavrikov: cut Walker & one of Iafallo, Moore, Arvidsson to fit him.

Lizotte, huge heart & determination to get up & fight back after getting knocked on his butt multiple times a shift. He isn't a 3C & isn't capable of going out against other teams top 6 as we all saw in the playoffs. That fix is 5-10M.

If the King's have a center breakout, it's unlikely they'll be able to defend at a high level right away & they'll still need a shutdown guy for the playoffs.

Cal, doesn't matter because he'll be bought out in a year & that money will be spent on a new goalie. So no change in cap.

After moving Walker & one of Iafallo, Moore, Arvidsson the King's need to cut another 5+ million to get the center depth to compete. Durzi makes 1.7, not enough. Mikey & Roy are 3-4M & losing them weakens their ability to defend.

Forwards,
Byfield, Kopi, Kempe
Moore, Danault, Arvidsson
These lines were working fine. No point in breaking them up, but Arvidsson might be lost anyways.

3rd line, Fiala, Not Lizotte, Vilardi
4th line doesn't matter for cap, just fill with cheap players.

Kopi could be moved to cut cap, but already need to add at center. Kempe, Danault, Fiala nope.

Arvidsson or Moore could be moved in addition to Iafallo & free up enough to bring in a JT Compher type. A PLD, Horvat, Scheifele level center would be a much better fit for Fiala & Vilardi. With Kopi aging, investing now in a top 6 center is a good move.

There's only one piece left. Gavrikov can replace Doughty's shutdown minutes. King's have young puck movers that need ice time. Transition & movement on the PP probably improve.

Doughty is annoying & hasn't done much in the last 9 years. That's not the issue. Doughty can be replaced internally by committee & has a big enough hit to restructure the team.

Blake's other option is to stay the course, keep getting bounced in the first round because he can't fill out the roster while watching Doughty's contract shrink from 4 years as he continues to age. This is the most probable outcome.

Just numbers.
Need a top 9, Top 6 center would be better.
Need Gavrikov or similar D
After cutting two of Arvidsson, Iafallo, Moore, there's only one place left.

That should about cover it.

Edit: Doughty has had 9 years to do something. At this point it's unlikely given the team composition that he is going to be part of another cup run in LA. Might as well face the end of an era & start building for the future.

Yup, now I'm done.

Nice post. A couple of thoughts:

Theres a pretty good chance Byfield starts at 3C, especially as they see his future through the middle. That creates a regular top 9 wing spot that I suspect Kaliyev is favourite for. As you say a winger likely gets moved also for cap reasons and there is a case for Roy (back that in a moment). They need some grit on the wing to replace the vet winger, but one that can play a bit so we are looking at 2M+ for that so that’s not enough cap to free up.

So Roy, given he likely commands a big pay rise after this year and his value has never been higher NOW is the time to trade him. It’s a hard decision but it’s the tough decisions that count. We could have a right side of Doughty, Clarke and Spence and whilst not gritty it’s only Spence that is truly small. even if Clarke has muscle to add. So we need to balance that out on the left, Anderson, Gavrikov and another LD. That’s where I reluctantly trade Björnfot to get some grit and hopefully someone that can play enough minutes to be trusted. Probably someone in the 2M range, maybe 2.5. Remember Roy played his best hockey with Gavrikov, before then he was at times awful and a turnover machine. Hence I sell high because without Gavrikov he will likely slip back anyway. Gavrikov with Clarke (or Spence) is an exciting proposition.

So me, I bring in bottom 6 gritty winger, shutdown LD.

Out: Roy, Arvidsson, Bjornföt, Walker

Durzi 7D (We need someone with experience to play 7D until someone is ready in Ontario).

The problem is that whilst I think it gives a more balance lineup I cannot see that many moves being made unfortunately. My thoughts aren’t just for next season which is why I’d suck up the Clarke/Spence growing pains whilst also acquiring some decent assets/picks on the way.

Fantasy on my part, I’m fully aware.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

It seems to be a general consensus amongst Kings fans that part of the problem is that the team is "too soft" and we need to add more tough/gritty/mean players to the roster....

I don't necessarily disagree... But also feel like there's a slight disconnect from reality here in that - There really aren't a ton of players in general in today's NHL that fit that bill. And a lot of the players that DO actually fall under that classification aren't particularly great when it comes to actually playing hockey (and usually take a lot of penalties as well).

Can we actually throw some legitimate names out there of REALISTIC players the Kings could target that address this need (and don't make the team worse in the process)???

Someone in another thread threw out Ryan Reaves as an option and people instantly chimed in against the idea.

I've also seen Tom Wilson thrown out there and then people point out the recent injury history, the cap hit, and the price to get him as reasons against it.

On defense I mean sure you could target a guy like Zadorov and sure, that could potentially work if you can isolate him to your 3rd pair and limit his ice time... But you also have to trade to get him.

Even a guy like Nic Deslauriers - Is trading for a guy like that and having him on your 4th line really going to make the difference?

Again, I'm not against the idea... I just think it's super easy to claim "we need to be bigger, tougher, meaner" but a lot harder to actually go into HOW they should do that - Who can we actually sign / trade for?

 

[Hockey Dad]

What are y’all thinking as a return for Roy or Durzi. I know 2 different type players. I would prefer Roy but not many seem to want to trade him.

 

[tny760]

It seems to be a general consensus amongst Kings fans that part of the problem is that the team is "too soft" and we need to add more tough/gritty/mean players to the roster....

I don't necessarily disagree... But also feel like there's a slight disconnect from reality here in that - There really aren't a ton of players in general in today's NHL that fit that bill. And a lot of the players that DO actually fall under that classification aren't particularly great when it comes to actually playing hockey (and usually take a lot of penalties as well).

Can we actually throw some legitimate names out there of REALISTIC players the Kings could target that address this need (and don't make the team worse in the process)???

Someone in another thread threw out Ryan Reaves as an option and people instantly chimed in against the idea.

I've also seen Tom Wilson thrown out there and then people point out the recent injury history, the cap hit, and the price to get him as reasons against it.

On defense I mean sure you could target a guy like Zadorov and sure, that could potentially work if you can isolate him to your 3rd pair and limit his ice time... But you also have to trade to get him.

Even a guy like Nic Deslauriers - Is trading for a guy like that and having him on your 4th line really going to make the difference?

Again, I'm not against the idea... I just think it's super easy to claim "we need to be bigger, tougher, meaner" but a lot harder to actually go into HOW they should do that - Who can we actually sign / trade for?

that's like, exactly the problem.. you can't just plug one "tough guy" in and expect a soft culture to shift, especially since most of those guys can't play more than 6-8 minutes without being a liability. that then drags 2 young guys trying to make their mark into limited play too, and the absolute last thing todd needs to be doing is riding kopi/danault even harder during the regular season

this system is built for "don't take any risks, get back and play D" and a tough guy is naturally taking risks and not playing D

if grundstrom and roy brought the stiff game we know they can EVERY NIGHT we wouldn't have too many problems with team toughness. more to it than just fighting

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

But also feel like there's a slight disconnect from reality here

Yep, he’s new here!

 

[lumbergh]

What are y’all thinking as a return for Roy or Durzi. I know 2 different type players. I would prefer Roy but not many seem to want to trade him.

A 2nd round pick would be a realistic return for Durzi, I think. Hard to see the Kings trading Roy, but it could be for a big young left-handed defenseman on an ELC and a good pick. That player would have to be someone with very good potential.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

A 2nd round pick would be a realistic return for Durzi, I think. Hard to see the Kings trading Roy, but it could be for a big young left-handed defenseman on an ELC and a good pick. That player would have to be someone with very good potential.

From the Stars? I'd add for Harley. Otherwise there's nothing there that fits our needs--they're either untouchable or too veteran, kinda bad trading partners. Agree on picks for Durzi.

 

[Johnny Utah]

God the Kings will be soft as hell if they trade either Durzi or Roy.

 

[Steve Zissou]

Not in favor or trading Roy, especially if Gavrikov is re-signed.

That 2nd line D was super good and has the stats to back it up.

 

[shuchukfan]

I'm surprised Blake hasn't been able to get a few picks from a team that wants to negotiate a new contract for MacEwan before free agency starts.

 

[DoktorJeep]

I’m not surprised by anything Kings related post the annual early May team charter flight to Cancun. Blake’s to do list is 2-3 tasks deep any given month of the 9.5 he works per year.

For this month you can check off Sturm and Ranford from the list, the theme being taking care of internal business. Next month has the draft, so, Blake does one “headline” deal and takes a solid 45 day vacay. His secretary schedules his emails for RFA QO’s to automatically go out at the deadline with the minimum required offer.

After some well deserved r&r, in mid August, Blake’s secretary comes back into the office and prints out his email inbox for his review the next week. Couple days later, the Mayor tweets out some “insider news”.

 

[lumbergh]

God the Kings will be soft as hell if they trade either Durzi or Roy.

Durzi is a smallish puck moving defenseman who doesn’t play defense. How would trading Durzi make the Kings any softer?

 

[Johnny Utah]

Durzi is a smallish puck moving defenseman who doesn’t play defense. How would trading Durzi make the Kings any softer?

Because he is the only one sticking up for teammates and accumulating fighting majors besides former King Lemeiux.

 

[Statto]

It seems to be a general consensus amongst Kings fans that part of the problem is that the team is "too soft" and we need to add more tough/gritty/mean players to the roster....

I don't necessarily disagree... But also feel like there's a slight disconnect from reality here in that - There really aren't a ton of players in general in today's NHL that fit that bill. And a lot of the players that DO actually fall under that classification aren't particularly great when it comes to actually playing hockey (and usually take a lot of penalties as well).

Can we actually throw some legitimate names out there of REALISTIC players the Kings could target that address this need (and don't make the team worse in the process)???

Someone in another thread threw out Ryan Reaves as an option and people instantly chimed in against the idea.

I've also seen Tom Wilson thrown out there and then people point out the recent injury history, the cap hit, and the price to get him as reasons against it.

On defense I mean sure you could target a guy like Zadorov and sure, that could potentially work if you can isolate him to your 3rd pair and limit his ice time... But you also have to trade to get him.

Even a guy like Nic Deslauriers - Is trading for a guy like that and having him on your 4th line really going to make the difference?

Again, I'm not against the idea... I just think it's super easy to claim "we need to be bigger, tougher, meaner" but a lot harder to actually go into HOW they should do that - Who can we actually sign / trade for?

I fundamentally agree. I think we need guys with the ability to clear the net and throw some heavy hits - fighting I don’t care about tbh. As you say the issue is the names as there are not many, hence I avoided giving any examples deliberately. To acquire someone suitable we are most likely giving up the better player (RV?) in all ways apart from physicality. I’m fine with that as it balances the roster but people will not like it.

 

[King'sPawn]

Because he is the only one sticking up for teammates and accumulating fighting majors besides former King Lemeiux.

He fought twice last season.

And played much tamer and subdued physically compared to his rookie year.

 

[Lt Dan]

Durzi is a smallish puck moving defenseman who doesn’t play defense. How would trading Durzi make the Kings any softer?

Durzi is one of the few Kings who fights

 

[tny760]

i'd hardly consider what durzi does "fighting"

it's offset by his diving anyway

 

[KINGS17]

Has anyone figured out yet the correct answer is Kopitar and Doughty?

 

[kings11]

Because he is the only one sticking up for teammates and accumulating fighting majors besides former King Lemeiux.

Oh please, all the guy does is get pushed around like the rest of the Kings.. they need a Sam Bennett type

 

[kings11]

Has anyone figured out yet the correct answer is Kopitar and Doughty?

At this point that doesn’t matter, the damage is done and is getting worse thanks to the FO and Todd trying to compete for the cup and still trying to develop their kids..
unless, Byfield breaks out, Clarke is Doughty 2.0 and Turcotte salvages his career and becomes Richards 2.0, this half ass experiment his going the way of the Hindenburg!

 

[Johnny Utah]

It seems to be a general consensus amongst Kings fans that part of the problem is that the team is "too soft" and we need to add more tough/gritty/mean players to the roster....

I don't necessarily disagree... But also feel like there's a slight disconnect from reality here in that - There really aren't a ton of players in general in today's NHL that fit that bill. And a lot of the players that DO actually fall under that classification aren't particularly great when it comes to actually playing hockey (and usually take a lot of penalties as well).

Can we actually throw some legitimate names out there of REALISTIC players the Kings could target that address this need (and don't make the team worse in the process)???

Someone in another thread threw out Ryan Reaves as an option and people instantly chimed in against the idea.

I've also seen Tom Wilson thrown out there and then people point out the recent injury history, the cap hit, and the price to get him as reasons against it.

On defense I mean sure you could target a guy like Zadorov and sure, that could potentially work if you can isolate him to your 3rd pair and limit his ice time... But you also have to trade to get him.

Even a guy like Nic Deslauriers - Is trading for a guy like that and having him on your 4th line really going to make the difference?

Again, I'm not against the idea... I just think it's super easy to claim "we need to be bigger, tougher, meaner" but a lot harder to actually go into HOW they should do that - Who can we actually sign / trade for?

Kings should look at the following players via UFA at forward:

Milan Lucic
Ryan Reaves
Nick Ritchie
Miles Wood
Garnet Hathaway
Tyler Bertuzzi (too much money likely, but Kings looked at him before)

On D:
Ryan Graves
Ian Cole
Carson Soucy (too much money likely)
Nathan Beaulieu
Andreas Englund

If the Kings can get one of those forwards in the bottom 6 and one of those D in Edler's spot, this would make the team a lot of harder to play against.

BTW those are all Left Handed D - I left out RHD like Gudas, Mayfield, Schenn, etc.

In terms of trade, I would look hard at Nick Seeler in Phily. He has ties to the Kings organization. Same with Deslauries - seems like the Flyers might move anyone now.

Also, if the Kings want to dump salary, how about Cal Peterson plus a pick for Zack Kassian.

We have to figure we will be battling Kane, Kostin, and Nurse for the next few years and the only counter we had was to play McEwen.

 

[Steve Zissou]

Kings should look at the following players via UFA at forward:

Milan Lucic
Ryan Reaves
Nick Ritchie

Also, if the Kings want to dump salary, how about Cal Peterson plus a pick for Zack Kassian.

Miles Wood
Garnet Hathaway
Tyler Bertuzzi (too much money likely, but Kings looked at him before)

NJ has over $32 million in cap space. Most of their UFA's and RFA's are going to be re-signed.

Bertuzzi will cost too much and we are already strapped for cash as it is.

Hathaway is center. If Byfield goes back to centering the 3rd line and either Kaliyev or Vilardi moves up to the 1st line, TMac has Lizotte aka the human gnat penciled in as 4th line C.

We'll be lucky to dump Cal's contract for a pick (and possibly a prospect) but lets not add back w/ Kassian's $3.2 million. That would nearly negate the trade in the 1st place (minus the following year since Kassian is only signed for next season).

 

[lumbergh]

From the Stars? I'd add for Harley. Otherwise there's nothing there that fits our needs--they're either untouchable or too veteran, kinda bad trading partners. Agree on picks for Durzi.

it’s understood that Montreal has a glut of LHD prospects, but could use RHD. Might make good trading partners. Adam Engstrom seems to fit the bill as a target in a Durzi trade. Good size, mobile, two way defenseman.3rd round pick from 2022. Might need another year or more to stew on the back burner, but he would fill a need.

 

[Statto]

Kings should look at the following players via UFA at forward:

Milan Lucic
Ryan Reaves
Nick Ritchie
Miles Wood
Garnet Hathaway
Tyler Bertuzzi (too much money likely, but Kings looked at him before)

On D:
Ryan Graves
Ian Cole
Carson Soucy (too much money likely)
Nathan Beaulieu
Andreas Englund

If the Kings can get one of those forwards in the bottom 6 and one of those D in Edler's spot, this would make the team a lot of harder to play against.

BTW those are all Left Handed D - I left out RHD like Gudas, Mayfield, Schenn, etc.

In terms of trade, I would look hard at Nick Seeler in Phily. He has ties to the Kings organization. Same with Deslauries - seems like the Flyers might move anyone now.

Also, if the Kings want to dump salary, how about Cal Peterson plus a pick for Zack Kassian.

We have to figure we will be battling Kane, Kostin, and Nurse for the next few years and the only counter we had was to play McEwen.

Perhaps use Björnfot to acquire someone that isn’t too expensive via FA? Filling both positions (which I ageee with in principle ) will be too expensive if both are UFA.

 

[Statto]

NJ has over $32 million in cap space. Most of their UFA's and RFA's are going to be re-signed.

Bertuzzi will cost too much and we are already strapped for cash as it is.

Hathaway is center. If Byfield goes back to centering the 3rd line and either Kaliyev or Vilardi moves up to the 1st line, TMac has Lizotte aka the human gnat penciled in as 4th line C.

We'll be lucky to dump Cal's contract for a pick (and possibly a prospect) but lets not add back w/ Kassian's $3.2 million. That would nearly negate the trade in the 1st place (minus the following year since Kassian is only signed for next season).

I’m not saying Kassian is the right guy, but from a cap perspective that type of trade would be better than the current position and address a need on the main roster. If the alternative is burying him Cal the minors, then it’s definitely an option to consider. Anyone in that role is going to cost 2M+, especially via free agency.