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

[Statto]

I completely agree about the makeup of the D but we never get nearly as made as when we have 4 LHD in the lineup. It’s just not seen as such an issue in hockey terms.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Blake will eventually have his Teubert and Forbort picks, too. Even some of his good looking picks will be out of the league in 5-6 years. That’s just the nature of professional hockey.

no no - please not that.... 2 mid first round busts + 4oa hickey thats actually hard to do (bust out of 3 mid/early 1st rounders).. and please no 1st rounder for a few weeks of sekera, and no cloutier type signing (oh wait we have cal), and no cernak for bishop..

 

[Kudelski37]

It's fkn ridiculous the way Hall of Fame D Rob Blake has constructed this off-balance joke of a D corps.
Completely absurd amount of RH offensive D types. Near total absence of LH D with size and grit.
There is no excuse for the fact that this organization has drafted only 3 LHD in the top 2 rounds since 2014, Bjornfot, Clague and Lintuniemi who never signed. That's it. Complete and total abdication by Blake. I am sick of looking at this D. And now I am sick of looking at Blake. Ridiculous joke.

In comparison, from 2005 through 2013, the Kings took only 3 lhd in the first two rounds (Forbort, Hickey, and TJ Fast). It is possible to build a cup winner without drafting good lhd in the first two rounds of the draft.

 

[Riposte!]

Sean Walker has never been a plus player in his NHL career. Just throwing that out there. amidst the discussion and comparisons.

 

[FSL KINGS]

The state of the D isn't great. Blake got the opportunity to finally grab a forward like Fiala after striking out on guys like Max Pac & Buchnevich. Unfortunately after signing Fiala, there was no space left for defense this year. So bring back Edler & hope for the best. If close enough grab a rental.

The D should be dealt with by the start of next season. Maybe a D for D swap, grab a D at the draft or UFA. Cap wise some salary has to go out. Cal moving isn't likely. Walker & Roy out would free up about 5M for a D. Could move a wing out, but it seems like Blake just signed them all.

Expect Blake to bring in a vet D before next season starts.

 

[YP44]

Sean Walker has never been a plus player in his NHL career. Just throwing that out there. amidst the discussion and comparisons.

doesn't surprise me at all given the state of the kings when he broke into the NHL. Take last year out (due to Walker only playing 6 games) and Doughty also has a negative +/- over the time Walker has been in the NHL.

 

[Seattle King]

The state of the D isn't great. Blake got the opportunity to finally grab a forward like Fiala after striking out on guys like Max Pac & Buchnevich. Unfortunately after signing Fiala, there was no space left for defense this year. So bring back Edler & hope for the best. If close enough grab a rental.

The D should be dealt with by the start of next season. Maybe a D for D swap, grab a D at the draft or UFA. Cap wise some salary has to go out. Cal moving isn't likely. Walker & Roy out would free up about 5M for a D. Could move a wing out, but it seems like Blake just signed them all.

Expect Blake to bring in a vet D before next season starts.

I hope so.
Walker and Roy. Walker and Roy. They arent Butch and Sundance. They are more Laurel and Hardy. These two plugs, replacement level, third pair types at best, just are so damn valuable that Blake has torpedoed the entire season in order to play these two guys every night and leave the other countless better options out. It's disgusting and I cant stand it anymore.

 

[bland]

I completely agree about the makeup of the D but we never get nearly as made as when we have 4 LHD in the lineup. It’s just not seen as such an issue in hockey terms.

It's virtually unheard of to have to RHDs together. You don't get the reps in at any professional level and folks tend to sleep on the effect it has on the right side partner. Your passing lanes are completely different, you have to adjust your body to make and receive passes, you have to take a second to look to make that tape to taper and any extra second just increases the pressure of the forecheck, and in panic you often see defensemen just push the puck into a safe spot along the wall instead of cleanly moving the puck.

That pairing has been a lot harder on Roy's game than Durzi.

 

[Choralone]

The issues with roster imbalance and holes don't seem insurmountable. Our record is the same as last year so the playoffs are not out of reach. Blake still has time to work out one or more deals. Shit's not going to happen until more teams realize they're sellers this year and not buyers.

 

[Sol]

The issues with roster imbalance and holes don't seem insurmountable. Our record is the same as last year so the playoffs are not out of reach. Blake still has time to work out one or more deals. Shit's not going to happen until more teams realize they're sellers this year and not buyers.

I think if Copley can keep up the play and the Kings make a big trade for a good upgrade on LD then they’re in a much better spot.

 

[Sol]

It's virtually unheard of to have to RHDs together. You don't get the reps in at any professional level and folks tend to sleep on the effect it has on the right side partner. Your passing lanes are completely different, you have to adjust your body to make and receive passes, you have to take a second to look to make that tape to taper and any extra second just increases the pressure of the forecheck, and in panic you often see defensemen just push the puck into a safe spot along the wall instead of cleanly moving the puck.

That pairing has been a lot harder on Roy's game than Durzi.

Don’t know if this is true. I think it’s equally hard for both players. I have seen Durzi turn over the puck a lot because he can’t just slide the puck up the wall. The toe of his blade is facing the boards which makes it much more riskier to move the puck along. That’s why I am more lenient with him because he doesn’t get to utilize safer plays along the boards.

 

[BigKing]

I don't see your right side as I would like Durzi moved way before 24/25. Maybe Grans could be ready by then if you have moved on from Drew. Just curious what type of player do you see Drew getting?

Not picking on you at all but I've always felt that any Grans hype is just built on hope and draft position. Any Reign fans high on his game this year? Only four points in 20 games but he is a plus player...maybe he is learning defense? I hope that is the case because he's supposed to be an offensive defenseman.

I still think he is trade sweetener.

There were only 5 rhd drafted by the Kings in the first two rounds during the same span. Two were traded by Lombardi when the Kings desperately needed a rhd and one was traded by Blake.

Drafting size and grit way too early in the first and second rounds is how the Kings busted with many picks while players picked after the Kings draft slot turned into all stars during the Lombardi era.

Lombardi busted with Teubert. All of his other 1st round picks are still playing in the NHL except for Hickey who still put up 480 total NHL games when including playoffs. Yes: better players were available after many selections. I am not supporting the Hickey or Forbort picks. Just think "busted" is too harsh of a term. 2nd round is even harder to apply that to since we are talking 2nd round picks but his hit rate there was pretty damn good and, let's face it. every GM is going to have a "could have drafted this guy in the 2nd round instead" moment in pretty much every draft.

Blake will eventually have his Teubert and Forbort picks, too. Even some of his good looking picks will be out of the league in 5-6 years. That’s just the nature of professional hockey.

I'm not as harsh on 2nd round picks but Thomas looking real rough right now and JAD is in JAG territory. What will Fagemo ultimately be? Much too early but Turcotte is already worrisome for Teubert/Hickey territory. Basically used a 2nd to pick Andersson as well which is also looking like it won't pan out. Like you said, that's just the way it is.

It's part of why I'm in the "Keep Durzi" camp. Too many people are too enamored with the unknown: I'd rather try to make Durzi work v. just moving him to make room for someone else. Of course, I'll listen to any good hockey trade but I'm not just moving him because of the log jam.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Kupari/Spence back on Kings - was paper transaction yesterday

 

[AbsentMojo]

It's part of why I'm in the "Keep Durzi" camp. Too many people are too enamored with the unknown: I'd rather try to make Durzi work v. just moving him to make room for someone else. Of course, I'll listen to any good hockey trade but I'm not just moving him because of the log jam.

If they keep Durzi - what does the right side look like next season? The current pecking order on the right is DD, Roy, Durzi, Walker, Spence, Clarke ... Lets assume Walker is moved/waived. What happens to Spence and Clarke next year?

 

[Schmooley]

If they keep Durzi - what does the right side look like next season? The current pecking order on the right is DD, Roy, Durzi, Walker, Spence, Clarke ... Lets assume Walker is moved/waived. What happens to Spence and Clarke next year?

Spence and Clarke are AHL eligible next year yea? Thats where theyll start unless they trade all Roy Walker Durzi?

 

[AbsentMojo]

Spence and Clarke are AHL eligible next year yea? Thats where theyll start unless they trade all Roy Walker Durzi?

Ya - that would be a shame right? Clarke looks like he wants to bull his way onto the team, and Spence is ready today

 

[kings11]

If they keep Durzi - what does the right side look like next season? The current pecking order on the right is DD, Roy, Durzi, Walker, Spence, Clarke ... Lets assume Walker is moved/waived. What happens to Spence and Clarke next year?

They replace Roy and Durzi..

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Spence and Clarke are AHL eligible next year yea? Thats where theyll start unless they trade all Roy Walker Durzi?

Can you imagine if this was happening in Toronto

Hell the natives were restless because they kept Liljegren and Sandin down in favor of some vets and they nearly rioted

It's like if Colorado were keeping down Byram because they had Nemeth, or Buffalo keeping down Dahlin or Power because they had Pysyk

Blake gets a free pass for this shit, he'd be getting obliterated in any other market, especially if the D were struggling in large part because of it. "yeah our top-10 prospect isn't going to play a single game from November until January, just because. But here's Sean Walker."

 

[Schmooley]

Can you imagine if this was happening in Toronto

Hell the natives were restless because they kept Liljegren and Sandin down in favor of some vets and they nearly rioted

It's like if Colorado were keeping down Byram because they had Nemeth, or Buffalo keeping down Dahlin or Power because they had Pysyk

Blake gets a free pass for this shit, he'd be getting obliterated in any other market, especially if the D were struggling in large part because of it.

Well said

 

[AbsentMojo]

They replace Roy and Durzi..

They should.. i made that previous post to invite the original poster to decide what to do with those guys since he wanted to hang onto Durzi as a pre-condition.

 

[kings11]

They should.. i made that previous post to invite the original poster to decide what to do with those guys since he wanted to hang onto Durzi as a pre-condition.

That’s the problem though isn’t it.. they want change but for whatever reason can’t see the players that are problematic… We know what Durzi is and it shouldn’t be a King

 

[BigKing]

If they keep Durzi - what does the right side look like next season? The current pecking order on the right is DD, Roy, Durzi, Walker, Spence, Clarke ... Lets assume Walker is moved/waived. What happens to Spence and Clarke next year?

Well, I'm not worried about next season right now but I'd like to have Spence at the NHL level and I'd like for Clarke to be playing hockey somewhere.

I would trade Durzi for the right offer: I'm not just tossing him aside so Clarke can get in when the kid might actually need AHL seasoning next year. I'm also waiving Walker before I move Durzi for a bad offer. I see every other post saying to trade him but I don't necessarily see what the expected return is. More futures?

Back to next season...do you or anyone actually believe that Clarke will be on the NHL roster full time? The way Blake operates, he has AHL written all over him even if he winds up not needing it. Now I've only got four RHD if Durzi is kept and Walker is gone.

 

[AbsentMojo]

Well, I'm not worried about next season right now but I'd like to have Spence at the NHL level and I'd like for Clarke to be playing hockey somewhere.

I would trade Durzi for the right offer: I'm not just tossing him aside so Clarke can get in when the kid might actually need AHL seasoning next year. I'm also waiving Walker before I move Durzi for a bad offer. I see every other post saying to trade him but I don't necessarily see what the expected return is. More futures?

Back to next season...do you or anyone actually believe that Clarke will be on the NHL roster full time? The way Blake operates, he has AHL written all over him even if he winds up not needing it. Now I've only got four RHD if Durzi is kept and Walker is gone.

Ok that's all reasonable and good points. Agree there is no rush to move Durzi - but I'd take offers and fill holes if possible - since Clarke will do everything he does and more and is not too far behind. We can pencil in Clarke for Ontario - but he seems like a kid that has the audacity to make the team which he almost did this year - even with a giant logjam at RD... Still have Roy blocking Spence... so Spence back to the A? I cant even think straight with all the mis-fitting pieces. Durzi is such a liability in the d-zone you have to keep him on the 3rd pairing. So who is the good stay at home LD? Hopefully they sign an FA stay at home LD for that (since I hope they would let Edler retire). So you pencil in Bjornfot as the 2nd pair LD. Its still ugly. You dont have any big bodies on D that can clear out the slot and move guys off pucks behind the net. You're still blocking Spence who will add offense and is great at moving the puck out of the d-zone. If you do move Roy, and let Spence in, the 2nd pairing is too soft. So maybe Bjornfot and Durzi is the 3rd pairing, and the FA LD (or via trade).. is a solid Soucy/Zadarov type for the 2nd pair... of course there isnt really enough cap for that at the moment - unless u can clear both Roy and Walker. Its really a mess that wont be solved with 1 or even 2 moves.

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Not picking on you at all but I've always felt that any Grans hype is just built on hope and draft position. Any Reign fans high on his game this year? Only four points in 20 games but he is a plus player...maybe he is learning defense? I hope that is the case because he's supposed to be an offensive defenseman.

I still think he is trade sweetener.

Lombardi busted with Teubert. All of his other 1st round picks are still playing in the NHL except for Hickey who still put up 480 total NHL games when including playoffs. Yes: better players were available after many selections. I am not supporting the Hickey or Forbort picks. Just think "busted" is too harsh of a term. 2nd round is even harder to apply that to since we are talking 2nd round picks but his hit rate there was pretty damn good and, let's face it. every GM is going to have a "could have drafted this guy in the 2nd round instead" moment in pretty much every draft.

I'm not as harsh on 2nd round picks but Thomas looking real rough right now and JAD is in JAG territory. What will Fagemo ultimately be? Much too early but Turcotte is already worrisome for Teubert/Hickey territory. Basically used a 2nd to pick Andersson as well which is also looking like it won't pan out. Like you said, that's just the way it is.

It's part of why I'm in the "Keep Durzi" camp. Too many people are too enamored with the unknown: I'd rather try to make Durzi work v. just moving him to make room for someone else. Of course, I'll listen to any good hockey trade but I'm not just moving him because of the log jam.

Yeah, hard agree on the Durzi stuff. It’s not easy to find 50+ points on the blueline regardless of how horrible that player is defensively. A lot of posters here just don’t comprehend that.

 

[bland]

Yeah, hard agree on the Durzi stuff. It’s not easy to find 50+ points on the blueline regardless of how horrible that player is defensively. A lot of posters here just don’t comprehend that.

Spence just quarterbacked the greatest PP in AHL history and was a 1st team All-Star. Its not a difficult leap to see him surpassing Durzi in very, very short order if given the chance.