Maybe not making the playoffs is best in the long term BUT I can’t do anything but hope we win each game. Whatever happens it is going to be an off season that tells us a lot about the direction of the franchise.
It definitely feels like only a very good play-off saves Blake but you have to feel Luc will be under threat also if we don’t make the post season. If that’s not the case it would tell us where AEG are at with things.
Nothing changes, you are an off season off!
Blake is under contract and AEG does not like to make moves that cost them more money.
Beckerman on down will have been heavily scrutinized for changes in personnel and direction by the end of next season.
The craziest thing about the Kings current situation is that it primarily stems from 1 (really) bad move - the PLD trade. Yes, there were other questionable decisions.... But man that's the big one that is really handcuffing this team and will likely continue to be a problem for years.
If they don't make that PLD trade we would be in a position where Byfield can be appropriately slotted at center and we would actually have cap space to work with and improve the rest of the roster.
Even if the Kings had still moved on from Vilardi, Durzi, Iafallo, etc - They would've been able to use those players (and/or picks returned from trading those players) to strengthen goaltending, defense, or add some toughness. Hell, even adding an $8.5 million player that actually plays like an $8.5 million player would've been fine.
Ultimately I hope he figures it out / turns it around but at this point it's looking like our best bet would be to trade him to a team desperate for center depth and hopefully get a goalie back or not have to add too many sweeteners in order to do so - But that looks like a pipe dream right now sadly
I like the PLD trade, dumping a player that is often injured and the other pieces to make room for younger players to have a slot to grow in.
The only problem is PLD's new contract handcuffs the Keongs too close to the cap. However PLD is going nowhere for 7 seasons most likely and definitely while Blake is in charge.
We need the cap to go up by as much as possible to give this team that space to make in season acquisitions and shore up areas of need before the trade deadline.
Having this team with some space to maneuver the roster would be exciting and improved play is the best way to lessen the scapegoating and meltdowns this board has become locally famous for.
I am a big Byfield supporter way before this seasons bandwagoneering.
Byfield broke out and learned from Kopitar and Kempe last year, composing a very effective line.
The numbers have come up as I told
@Sol Bustfield they would before the season.
His overall play has improved to the point where he does all the little things very well and needs to be moved back to center and you have to consider PLD on the wing next season,
He has derived major benefit from playing from Kopi and Kempe, learning how to do everything up close.
This up close learning pairing technique is why I would like to see Clarke paired with Doughty next season, despite being 2 RHD.
PLD has had some terrible moments balanced out with some good ones despite the latest scapegoated player here in a long line succession.
As stated previously, not having a not suited for NHL centreman player that is oft injured, an improving PLD and cap space in the future will be exciting.
