Speculation: LA Kings News, Rumors, Roster Thread 2022-23 Season Part 2

[Herby]

Exactly, which is why I find it absurd that folks still get upset when Kaliyev is called a one trick pony. That's who he is, a one-way winger who shoots daggers and gets pucks to the net. No shame in that at all, spades are spades. He is just problematic on a 4th line that should be providing energy and simple, reliable north/south play. He isn't being edged out of the lineup by the mid-lineup multi-faceted play of Iafallo, Grundstrom or Moore or by the physicality of MacEwen, he is kept out by the production of Arvidsson, Fiala, Kempe and Vilardi in those purely offensive roles.

With those four locks for top winger roles next year, Kaliyev is looking at another year of dancing around his potential until Arvidsson likely leaves as a free agent.

And I'll say this until the cows come home, Fiala was an unnecessary acquisition who cost the team two fantastic assets, screwed up the cap and is keeping Kaliyev in purgatory. I know you value pure offense more than I do, but Blake sure showed either an embarrasing lack of faith or just outright impatience with the kids by making that deal.

The Kings have 6 scoring winger spots with the way they (and everyone else) sets up their lineups. Unless they run it back the same way (including QB at wing) there is going to be at least one opening, and that should be AK’s. Very likely replacing QB next to Kopitar and Kempe.

As far as Fiala, I don’t think it was some slam dunk fleecing like some here do. I think Faber is comparable to Clarke and Luke Hughes as a prospect, he is that good. But the Kings got a really good player too, and it’s not like he’s 30 years old, there is also some potential concern about signabilty with Faber. I like to be results oriented and be critical of draft decisions that go wrong, but the Kings turned a 40 something draft pick in 2020 into a 26 year old 1st line winger two years later. They deserve some credit for that.

 

[King'sPawn]

Exactly, which is why I find it absurd that folks still get upset when Kaliyev is called a one trick pony. That's who he is, a one-way winger who shoots daggers and gets pucks to the net. No shame in that at all, spades are spades.

There's a difference between one-dimensional and one-trick.

One-trick pony suggests that there's one skill Kaliyev has. That's not true.

One-dimensional suggests a player focuses on one aspect of the game.

It may be nitpicky, but it's a very important distinction.

 

[bland]

There's a difference between one-dimensional and one-trick.

One-trick pony suggests that there's one skill Kaliyev has. That's not true.

One-dimensional suggests a player focuses on one aspect of the game.

It may be nitpicky, but it's a very important distinction.

I won't call it nitpicky at all, but I don't share the distinction. Is it that the pony line sounds negative?

Every team in the league can afford one dimensional offensive players like Kaliyev. I like the kid, just think its doing the team a disservice to take away a valuable role spot by placing him on the 4th line, and trading away quality assets to bring in a more polished version of a similar player (results, not style) that blocks his ascension was just bad business.

 

[bland]

The Kings have 6 scoring winger spots with the way they (and everyone else) sets up their lineups. Unless they run it back the same way (including QB at wing) there is going to be at least one opening, and that should be AK’s. Very likely replacing QB next to Kopitar and Kempe.

As far as Fiala, I don’t think it was some slam dunk fleecing like some here do. I think Faber is comparable to Clarke and Luke Hughes as a prospect, he is that good. But the Kings got a really good player too, and it’s not like he’s 30 years old, there is also some potential concern about signabilty with Faber. I like to be results oriented and be critical of draft decisions that go wrong, but the Kings turned a 40 something draft pick in 2020 into a 26 year old 1st line winger two years later. They deserve some credit for that.

But Herby, Fiala ISN'T a first line winger, he is a ridiculously high scoring third line winger that hasn't successfully meshed with the two top lines on two teams in two years. He is just a HIGH quality Athanasiou, not a guy who fits his game into multiple situations. He just flat out functions better with players who defer to him at full strength. On the powerplay he is lights out with other high skill players, but at full strength he is a real liability at times away from the puck.

 

[King'sPawn]

I won't call it nitpicky at all, but I don't share the distinction. Is it that the pony line sounds negative?

It has a negative connotation, but moreso because it sounds more specific.

One dimension can still span a great distance even if there's limited depth. One trick sounds like someone has a single tool which has limited use.

 

[AbsentMojo]

You all remember when guys that were good became washed in front of our eyes like Greener, Richards, Phaneuf and JQ for example. Im calling Edler washed - he is not going to be effective against playoff caliber teams. He cant be the starting LD in the playoffs. The 3rd pairing is the gaping hole in the hull of a nice battle ship. And I actually cant believe its not being addressed.

 

[Eagle Fang]

You all remember when guys that were good became washed in front of our eyes like Greener, Richards, Phaneuf and JQ for example. Im calling Edler washed - he is not going to be effective against playoff caliber teams. He cant be the starting LD in the playoffs. The 3rd pairing is the gaping hole in the hull of a nice battle ship. And I actually cant believe its not being addressed.

Quite true and anyone with a functioning set of eyes can see this... which makes me concerned about TMacs optical health.

 

[johnjm22]

Chytil, 23yo, 2017 Draft:

YEAR	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2017-18	New York Rangers	NHL	9​	1​	2​	3​
2018-19	New York Rangers	NHL	75​	11​	12​	23​
2019-20	New York Rangers	NHL	60​	14​	9​	23​
2020-21	New York Rangers	NHL	42​	8​	14​	22​
2021-22	New York Rangers	NHL	67​	8​	14​	22​
2022-23	New York Rangers	NHL	66​	22​	20​	42​

Vilardi, 23yo, 2017 Draft:

YEAR	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2019-20	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	10​	3​	4​	7​
2020-21	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	54​	10​	13​	23​
2021-22	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	25​	5​	2​	7​
2022-23	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	63​	23​	18​	41​

Rangers sign Filip Chytil to $17.75 million contract extension

The Rangers have locked in one of their core young players.

nypost.com

4 years at 4.44M for Chytil

Seems like a good comp for Vilardi.

 

[johnjm22]

But Herby, Fiala ISN'T a first line winger, he is a ridiculously high scoring third line winger that hasn't successfully meshed with the two top lines on two teams in two years. He is just a HIGH quality Athanasiou, not a guy who fits his game into multiple situations. He just flat out functions better with players who defer to him at full strength. On the powerplay he is lights out with other high skill players, but at full strength he is a real liability at times away from the puck.

Had the Kings not acquired Fiala, we'd have the cap space to re-sign Gavrikov/Korpisalo. Our farm system would be deeper. We wouldn't have to giveaway assets to move Iafallo/Walker, and one of our young forwards would be further along in their development.

The question is, what would the King's record be right now? I suspect they'd be 3rd in the division.

 

[Trash Panda]

Chytil, 23yo, 2017 Draft:

YEAR	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2017-18	New York Rangers	NHL	9​	1​	2​	3​
2018-19	New York Rangers	NHL	75​	11​	12​	23​
2019-20	New York Rangers	NHL	60​	14​	9​	23​
2020-21	New York Rangers	NHL	42​	8​	14​	22​
2021-22	New York Rangers	NHL	67​	8​	14​	22​
2022-23	New York Rangers	NHL	66​	22​	20​	42​

Vilardi, 23yo, 2017 Draft:

YEAR	TEAM	LEAGUE	GP	G	A	PTS
2019-20	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	10​	3​	4​	7​
2020-21	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	54​	10​	13​	23​
2021-22	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	25​	5​	2​	7​
2022-23	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	63​	23​	18​	41​

Rangers sign Filip Chytil to $17.75 million contract extension

The Rangers have locked in one of their core young players.

nypost.com

4 years at 4.44M for Chytil

Seems like a god comp for Vilardi.

I’d be all over that from a kings POV.

 

[johnjm22]

I’d be all over that from a kings POV.

I don't think I would. I don't like the term. He's a UFA after the 4 years.

 

[bland]

Had the Kings not acquired Fiala, we'd have the cap space to re-sign Gavrikov/Korpisalo. Our farm system would be deeper. We wouldn't have to giveaway assets to move Iafallo/Walker, and one of our young forwards would be further along in their development.

The question is, what would the King's record be right now? I suspect they'd be 3rd in the division.

Hard to tell obviously, but they lost an awful lot of points early on due to playing an overly offensive style of game that didn't really start meshing until January. Its entirely possible that they could have an even better record if they hadn't spent so much time working out the kinks of their new found skill level and stayed on the course that they had ended the year on.

Of course, Vilardi's breakout was probably unexpected or at least underestimated as well.

 

[Herby]

Not only Vilardi’s out of nowhere good season this year, but you had Kempe and Danault having career years last year that there was no certainty would be repeated, Kopitar a year older, Doughty a year older. Now maybe you say all the more reason to not trade an elite prospect and a 1st, and I can understand that, but they had already committed to contending with the moves made the previous summer so they had to roll with it and get more skilled.

 

[Ghetty Green]

But Herby, Fiala ISN'T a first line winger, he is a ridiculously high scoring third line winger that hasn't successfully meshed with the two top lines on two teams in two years. He is just a HIGH quality Athanasiou, not a guy who fits his game into multiple situations. He just flat out functions better with players who defer to him at full strength. On the powerplay he is lights out with other high skill players, but at full strength he is a real liability at times away from the puck.

Lol

 

[Fishhead]

But Herby, Fiala ISN'T a first line winger, he is a ridiculously high scoring third line winger that hasn't successfully meshed with the two top lines on two teams in two years. He is just a HIGH quality Athanasiou, not a guy who fits his game into multiple situations. He just flat out functions better with players who defer to him at full strength. On the powerplay he is lights out with other high skill players, but at full strength he is a real liability at times away from the puck.

Hilarious.

Fiala has the 18th most ppg for wingers in the entire NHL. I guess Brady Tkachuk isn't a first-line winger either, because they have the same production. And if he isn't a first-line winger, neither is Larkin, Gaudreau, or Marchand, because he produces more than all of them.

You grasp at straws to discredit the guy every chance you get because of the Faberection.

 

[BigKing]

Hilarious.

Fiala has the 18th most ppg for wingers in the entire NHL. I guess Brady Tkachuk isn't a first-line winger either, because they have the same production. And if he isn't a first-line winger, neither is Larkin, Gaudreau, or Marchand, because he produces more than all of them.

You grasp at straws to discredit the guy every chance you get because of the Faberection.

The point being made is that he isn't a first line wing on the Kings and he wasn't on Minnesota either.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

It's so dumb and inaccurate for the FO crew to be jumping on the board saying people want Arvi traded for Fagemo. It's one guy who loves Fagemo. Stop trying to make something out of nothing. Why not be happy about the current team success

Everyone else when mentioning Arvi first & foremost want other lesser guys moved out in order to fit in team needs (LHD, Goalie, size). After this season though. But we all (usually) understand this is a business. If you can't find takers for AI, etc. and it means you can't sign one of more of Gav, Korpi, GV, etc. -- then Arvi is the only logical guy. He is very valuable and thus you will have plenty of takers while getting a good return. I'd personally look to trade Moore even before Arvi, but that seem unlikely considering the FO just recently extended Moore. Extending Arvi seem unlikely after next season anyway with Matthews coming (jk wink) and waiver exempt guys.

Jim Fox loves him too

 

[Herby]

Hilarious.

Fiala has the 18th most ppg for wingers in the entire NHL. I guess Brady Tkachuk isn't a first-line winger either, because they have the same production. And if he isn't a first-line winger, neither is Larkin, Gaudreau, or Marchand, because he produces more than all of them.

You grasp at straws to discredit the guy every chance you get because of the Faberection.

His point is that he’s not facing top checkers on either team, which is somewhat valid. But it also sells him short just how important he has been in turning around the PP, which has been a big part of the Kings success this season.

I think Bland likes Faber, but I think he would have been equally as disappointed if Clark or other young pieces had been in the trade instead of Faber.

 

[Fishhead]

The point being made is that he isn't a first line wing on the Kings and he wasn't on Minnesota either.

Doesn't mean he's not a first-line winger production-wise right now. It's just as disingenuous as saying Byfield has been a home run - he's a first line winger at 19 years old on a top team in the league. What more would we expect from him?

Just because Fiala didn't mesh with Kopitar doesn't mean he's not a top-line player. It's like calling Mark Messier a 2nd line center in the early to mid 80's on the oilers. 7th in the entire league in scoring, but not a first-liner. Outside of Edmonton and Chicago, there weren't any other teams where he wouldn't be the #1 guy.

 

[BigKing]

Doesn't mean he's not a first-line winger production-wise right now. It's just as disingenuous as saying Byfield has been a home run - he's a first line winger at 19 years old on a top team in the league. What more would we expect from him?

Just because Fiala didn't mesh with Kopitar doesn't mean he's not a top-line player. It's like calling Mark Messier a 2nd line center in the early to mid 80's on the oilers. 7th in the entire league in scoring, but not a first-liner. Outside of Edmonton and Chicago, there weren't any other teams where he wouldn't be the #1 guy.

Sure. Just saying that he stated earlier how he's pretty much never been an NHL 1st line wing.

 

[Fishhead]

His point is that he’s not facing top checkers on either team, which is somewhat valid. But it also sells him short just how important he has been in turning around the PP, which has been a big part of the Kings success this season.

I think Bland likes Faber, but I think he would have been equally as disappointed if Clark or other young pieces had been in the trade instead of Faber.

I don't think that was the point at all. Competition wasn't mentioned at all, he was called a glorified AA. Yes, he's not great defensively, but a lot of top line wingers aren't. Is Byfield a 1st line winger? Because he faces top competition.

The most ridiculous thing about it all is Fiala is getting better. He's young still and hasn't even reached his peak. And saying Bland likes Faber is like saying Andys just liked Kubalik.

 

[Fishhead]

Sure. Just saying that he stated earlier how he's pretty much never been an NHL 1st line wing.

Well, last season he was 3rd in ice time per game on the Wild, so that's pretty much first-line minutes. The only reason he wasn't on the 1st line is he plays the same position as Kaprizov.

 

[bouncesonly]

Fiala certainly isn't a first line winger.....he ain't no prime Iafallo.

 

[Statto]

There's a difference between one-dimensional and one-trick.

One-trick pony suggests that there's one skill Kaliyev has. That's not true.

One-dimensional suggests a player focuses on one aspect of the game.

It may be nitpicky, but it's a very important distinction.

This is why grammar and the choice of words is so often important because that slight difference is significantly different in meaning.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

I don't think that was the point at all. Competition wasn't mentioned at all, he was called a glorified AA. Yes, he's not great defensively, but a lot of top line wingers aren't. Is Byfield a 1st line winger? Because he faces top competition.

The most ridiculous thing about it all is Fiala is getting better. He's young still and hasn't even reached his peak. And saying Bland likes Faber is like saying Andys just liked Kubalik.

Yeah, I’m all for criticizing Blake’s general lack of of a long term plan, but calling Fiala a glorified AA is so inflammatory it can’t possibly drive any meaningful discourse.

Fiala is a player every single contending team in the league would like to have. Full stop.

The question with Blake and the Kings is are they a contending team. Blake obviously seems to think so, so that’s the expectation we should hold him to now.