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

[Fishhead]

My prediction with Chychrun is that the Coyotes will stand firm on their ridiculous asking price which no team will pay so we will be forced to endure another year of endless Chychrun rumors.

His value will be higher right now than it will ever be, he’s playing well on a good contract. Teams can only be so desparate with the cap, so whatever offers they get this year will be the best they get.

If he isn’t moved by the deadline he either will get moved for less or not moved at all.

 

[crassbonanza]

I think its just career vs season. I usually use NST as well, fantastic site.

I think it is just hard to compare career rates with two players who are the same age, where one player started playing at 18 and the other didn't start until their age 23 season. That's not even accounting for the scoring rate change that has been occurring. In Chych's rookie season the league average goals per game was 2.77, in Durzi's rookie season the league average goals per game was 3.14. It seems like it would be easier to just compare them over similar time frames when they are in the league.

 

[Fishhead]

I think it is just hard to compare career rates with two players who are the same age, where one player started playing at 18 and the other didn't start until their age 23 season. That's not even accounting for the scoring rate change that has been occurring. In Chych's rookie season the league average goals per game was 2.77, in Durzi's rookie season the league average goals per game was 3.14. It seems like it would be easier to just compare them over similar time frames when they are in the league.

Yeah I agree. It's even hard to compare between teams, like the Kings now vs the Kings even 5 years ago. I can totally see both sides with Chychrun, and some people will always value certain player types over others.

I was really high on Gavrikov, every time I saw him he was great. So I watched a few more CLB games on ESPN+ and in some of those he wasn't good at all. We see Chychrun more than most but I certainly can never remember a game where I thought "wow, he's fantastic". Usually he was average at best, and that just introduces bias. Even when the Kings were terrible it just might not be the best matchup for him.

 

[LAKings88]

I heard a rumor today that should be taken as a rumor. Working for a WHL team I hear tons of rumors but this one made me think for a bit. I made a few phone calls and the offering team (mid lvl mgr) said he had been hearing the same thing so there must have at least been a discussion of some sort about it. Like to hear it here it goes....

Moore and Bjornfot going to the Isles for a 2nd and a 3rd in the coming draft along with a 4rth next year or something like that). My understanding is that we wanted a 1st in the coming draft but that was more conjecture than anything else on my contacts part. I sent an email to a hack I know and he said that he is working on something with the Kings but that is all he would say. The hack works for the hockey news if it matters.

So there ya go. Another useless rumor from a spin merchant like myself for you to get angry and disappointed about me on. Meh and of course get off of my lawn etc.....

Not doubting that discussions are always taking place I just don't think that is adequate value for both those players. Would that be a free space up move to bring in a LHD?

I mean its a bad look with Moore too. Guess Visnovsky was dealt after a new contract right?

 

[Fishhead]

Not doubting that discussions are always taking place I just don't think that is adequate value for both those players. Would that be a free space up move to bring in a LHD?

I mean its a bad look with Moore too. Guess Visnovsky was dealt after a new contract right?

There's no way there is any substance to that. Bjornfot's value isn't far off from a first by himself and they certainly aren't moving Moore unless he shaved TM's head or something while he slept.

It would be live Visnovsky, but those two returns are much different. Hard to turn down Stoll/Greene for him.

 

[LAKings88]

There's no way there is any substance to that. Bjornfot's value isn't far off from a first by himself and they certainly aren't moving Moore unless he shaved TM's head or something while he slept.

It would be live Visnovsky, but those two returns are much different. Hard to turn down Stoll/Greene for him.

I think talks happen. Kings could have offered Grundstrom and Isles come back with Moore. Could be a snap shot of a conversation.

That said, it is an internet board and its all true right?

 

[Peter James Bond II]

I see Lizotte as not being the right center for line 3, with Fiala and Vilardi.
I see Byfield there, in the future, but like that he's getting 15 mins and playing LW1 atm.

I think they are getting Byfield LW1 with 15 minutes to see him without him worrying about center defensive responsibilities and let him concentrate on producing. And once he does and has more confidence, then slot him 3C. One element that may be holding him back, as he;'s concentrating on defensive responsibilities foremost, when he's center.

I would also personally try Moore at 3C, as he played center at the Worlds and did well there. I would rather have him center Fiala and Gabe...than, Lizotte. Moore is the better player, period. Consider his second half of last year, leading the team in scoring, from Jan1. Put Lizotte back as 4C. If Moore is weak at faceoffs, Gabe can take draws.

Byfield Kopitar Kempe
Iafallo Danault Arvidsson
Fiala Moore Vilardi
Kaliyev Lizotte Kupari
Lemieux
JAD
Grundstrom

 

[dman3474]

Makes little sense to deal Moore atm, unless another NHL player is coming back. Pelech (5.7 cap hit) would be great, (but the NMC and them fighting for playoffs makes little sense, anyway) but they also have LHD Alexander Romanov, (2.5 cap hit) formerly of MTL.

Fins in their system; both of these are interesting prospects.

New York Islanders - In the System - Elite Prospects

Statistical overview of all New York Islanders prospects.

www.eliteprospects.com

Eetu Liukas 6'2" 200 LW 20 yrs old. 5th rd 2021
17 pts in HPK and 67 PIM! Must be among liiga leaders. 3rd in pts on his team at age 20. Projects to 26 pts and 101 PIM. +5 is 2nd on team.
"""He plays a physical north-south game, and takes to his role with a great deal of enthusiasm. He’s never seen an opportunity to play the body that was too good to pass up. He’s got a pretty heavy shot, too; his one-timer, in particular, does serious damage.'""

Eetu Liukas - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Eetu Liukas, 2002-09-25 Turku, FIN Finland. Most recently in the AHL with Bridgeport Islanders. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

Matias Rajaniemi LHD 6'4" 225 D 20 yrs old. 6th rd 2020​

"""One of the youngest players eligible for the 2020 draft, Rajaniemi has seen a big increase in his ice time this season and has been trusted to quarterback the top power play unit. Rajaniemi makes simple passes and can utilize a heavy shot from time to time. Rajaniemi did fine shutting down offence coming his way. He's a tough customer along the boards with his 6-foot-4 frame."""
2 teams this yr in Liiga 28 gms 6 assists. His 3rd season in Liiga at 20 yrs old.

Matias Rajaniemi - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Matias Rajaniemi, 2002-09-11 Lahti, FIN Finland. Most recently in the ECHL with Worcester Railers. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

The Islanders have 50 points and fighting to make the playoffs. I cannot imagine the Kings dealing Moore and Bjornfot for just picks. I suppose Byfield's level of play, he's here to stay, whether it be LW1, LW2? or C3
and with Arty coming back in a week or so? They could move a forward, in a deal that makes sense.
Kupari has gained trust and should stick for good, as well. Hard to say if JAD has a spot and how Lemieux and
Grundstrom work in and where will Arty fit in?

I suppose they may want a #1 (good luck) or #2 pick; especially if the Kings own #1 is in play for a deal and they want to get a #2 if they deal their #1.

Q: If Trevor Moore goes to the Isle, when he scores a goal, will they say "Trevor Moore, of Thousand Oaks, scores!"

I didn't put the Montreal connection together, is Bergevin still assistant GM or consulting or whatever?

I see Lizotte as not being the right center for line 3, with Fiala and Vilardi.
I see Byfield there, in the future, but like that he's getting 15 mins and playing LW1 atm.

I think they are getting Byfield LW1 with 15 minutes to see him without him worrying about center defensive responsibilities and let him concentrate on producing. And once he does and has more confidence, then slot him 3C. One element that may be holding him back, as he;'s concentrating on defensive responsibilities foremost, when he's center.

I would also personally try Moore at 3C, as he played center at the Worlds and did well there. I would rather have him center Fiala and Gabe...than, Lizotte. Moore is the better player, period. Consider his second half of last year, leading the team in scoring, from Jan1. Put Lizotte back as 4C. If Moore is weak at faceoffs, Gabe can take draws.

Byfield Kopitar Kempe
Iafallo Danault Arvidsson
Fiala Moore Vilardi
Kaliyev Lizotte Kupari
Lemieux
JAD
Grundstrom

I like this more than Lizotte at 3C.

I do like how Kupari plays. I would love for him to stick around, think he might be a good trade piece though.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I see Lizotte as not being the right center for line 3, with Fiala and Vilardi.
I see Byfield there, in the future, but like that he's getting 15 mins and playing LW1 atm.

I think they are getting Byfield LW1 with 15 minutes to see him without him worrying about center defensive responsibilities and let him concentrate on producing. And once he does and has more confidence, then slot him 3C. One element that may be holding him back, as he;'s concentrating on defensive responsibilities foremost, when he's center.

I would also personally try Moore at 3C, as he played center at the Worlds and did well there. I would rather have him center Fiala and Gabe...than, Lizotte. Moore is the better player, period. Consider his second half of last year, leading the team in scoring, from Jan1. Put Lizotte back as 4C. If Moore is weak at faceoffs, Gabe can take draws.

Byfield Kopitar Kempe
Iafallo Danault Arvidsson
Fiala Moore Vilardi
Kaliyev Lizotte Kupari
Lemieux
JAD
Grundstrom

Why? I don't get this line of thinking on Lizotte.....for TOI he's 9thh in points in the LEAGUE....so 32 teams, 6 bottom six forwards 192 peers....averaging 14 minutes a game or less.....he's 9th out of 192.....

Yea, he's not the right guy.....lol WTF are we thinking?

 

[Schmooley]

Why? I don't get this line of thinking on Lizotte.....for TOI he's 9thh in points in the LEAGUE....so 32 teams, 6 bottom six forwards 192 peers....averaging 14 minutes a game or less.....he's 9th out of 192.....

Yea, he's not the right guy.....lol WTF are we thinking?

His points mostly come from the 4th line and he matches up really well for the Kings against other teams 4th lines. He hasnt really been dangerous offensively playing with Fiala and Vilardi and if you look back he does play best in conjunction with a banger like Lemieux.
Hes helped Fiala and Vilardi defensively for sure but do you remember any instance where he has really connected with those guys in the offensive zone?
Instead of him treading water as a 3c it may be smarter to have a top 4c in the league.

 

[All The Kings Men]

Yea its a pretty outlandish rumor.

One of the bigger challenges I've learned of working in the industry is seeing how and where these rumors start from and then spread from

I can't tell you how many people work in our office and I can't tell you how many people that don't work there are constantly filtering in and out.

booster clubs, equipment reps, friends and family of various execs/players/employees etc etc etc

anytime someone gets a tidbit of info that is interesting at all it can get spread

on top of that you have people actively just hanging out looking to get autographs or working a gig or whatever but they're actively seeking out info

none of that information is graded for accuracy or source

Hell I would have sworn to you in the days leading up to the 2021 draft that the Kings were 100% an absolute immortal lock to select someone other than brandt clarke and it would have been based on information that I had that I thought I had correctly interpreted BUT... turns out I was wrong which is why I generally try not to comment on things that I know I don't know


Long winded way of saying... rumors aren't true til they happen

which is a big no duh

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

My prediction with Chychrun is that the Coyotes will stand firm on their ridiculous asking price which no team will pay so we will be forced to endure another year of endless Chychrun rumors.

I do think a team like Edmonton or Toronto is more desperate and will approach their asking price. I imagine something like Sandin, Knies, 2 2nds.

Yeah I agree. It's even hard to compare between teams, like the Kings now vs the Kings even 5 years ago. I can totally see both sides with Chychrun, and some people will always value certain player types over others.

I was really high on Gavrikov, every time I saw him he was great. So I watched a few more CLB games on ESPN+ and in some of those he wasn't good at all. We see Chychrun more than most but I certainly can never remember a game where I thought "wow, he's fantastic". Usually he was average at best, and that just introduces bias. Even when the Kings were terrible it just might not be the best matchup for him.

And see maybe that's why I"m a grumpy asshole about Chychrun. I've watched other Yotes games for him specifically and they're force feeding him as much as they can. He is rough defensively, anytime the play goes back his direction he's getting pushed around and hurt and then sits a few shifts. Great skater, great offensive instincts. Good defensive stick, and mostly good positioning. But gets caught in the spin cycle anytime guys switch and gets pushed around on the wall like he's Peter Harrold instead of a big, built tank. You know what? reminds me of early career Jack Johnson in that way. Physical specimen, probably sets all sorts of records in the gym, but gets pushed over by guys have his size. Funny enough every time I see them Ghost comes off as the superior two-way player that would be a better fit.

Note this is an extremely pessimistic view, mostly because the ask for the above rubs me totally the wrong way. Again, people think they're trading for (or he's being valued as) a big, strong, two-way d-man like Muzzin but they're getting a big Sean Durzi (with less balls). I could see both ways for sure--maybe he embraces a more competitive situation, gets insulated, takes to the system, and beasts out. The raw skills are there. But there is so damn much risk that I just do not like the player at that value so I'm totally biased because what I see is trading for a wish based on a draft day scouting report vs. a guarantee.

 

[LAKings88]

I do think a team like Edmonton or Toronto is more desperate and will approach their asking price. I imagine something like Sandin, Knies, 2 2nds.




And see maybe that's why I"m a grumpy asshole about Chychrun. I've watched other Yotes games for him specifically and they're force feeding him as much as they can. He is rough defensively, anytime the play goes back his direction he's getting pushed around and hurt and then sits a few shifts. Great skater, great offensive instincts. Good defensive stick, and mostly good positioning. But gets caught in the spin cycle anytime guys switch and gets pushed around on the wall like he's Peter Harrold instead of a big, built tank. You know what? reminds me of early career Jack Johnson in that way. Physical specimen, probably sets all sorts of records in the gym, but gets pushed over by guys have his size. Funny enough every time I see them Ghost comes off as the superior two-way player that would be a better fit.

Note this is an extremely pessimistic view, mostly because the ask for the above rubs me totally the wrong way. Again, people think they're trading for (or he's being valued as) a big, strong, two-way d-man like Muzzin but they're getting a big Sean Durzi (with less balls). I could see both ways for sure--maybe he embraces a more competitive situation, gets insulated, takes to the system, and beasts out. The raw skills are there. But there is so damn much risk that I just do not like the player at that value so I'm totally biased because what I see is trading for a wish based on a draft day scouting report vs. a guarantee.

I think Ghost would be awesome, had that thought myself.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

His points mostly come from the 4th line and he matches up really well for the Kings against other teams 4th lines. He hasnt really been dangerous offensively playing with Fiala and Vilardi and if you look back he does play best in conjunction with a banger like Lemieux.
Hes helped Fiala and Vilardi defensively for sure but do you remember any instance where he has really connected with those guys in the offensive zone?
Instead of him treading water as a 3c it may be smarter to have a top 4c in the league.

He doesn't have to carry them in the offensive zone, he's literally the reason the opposing team turns over the puck........

He's a top 3C in the league as well....but yea, I forgot, this is the board that if you aren't getting 50 points as a 3C you suck.....

 

[Fishhead]

His points mostly come from the 4th line and he matches up really well for the Kings against other teams 4th lines. He hasnt really been dangerous offensively playing with Fiala and Vilardi and if you look back he does play best in conjunction with a banger like Lemieux.
Hes helped Fiala and Vilardi defensively for sure but do you remember any instance where he has really connected with those guys in the offensive zone?
Instead of him treading water as a 3c it may be smarter to have a top 4c in the league.

I see this too.

Lizotte could very well be the best 4th line center in the league. You can see he's out of his element a bit when it comes to creativity, I think it diminishes his value to the team a bit when he's on the 3rd.

 

[Lt Dan]

I see this too.

Lizotte could very well be the best 4th line center in the league. You can see he's out of his element a bit when it comes to creativity, I think it diminishes his value to the team a bit when he's on the 3rd.

Indeed. He is in the Derek Armstrong or Trevor Lewis. The lower the line he is on, the better the team will be

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

He doesn't have to carry them in the offensive zone, he's literally the reason the opposing team turns over the puck........

He's a top 3C in the league as well....but yea, I forgot, this is the board that if you aren't getting 50 points as a 3C you suck.....

@Schmooley I misread that connected....as carried........and my point remains, he's the reason opposing teams turnover the puck...and when they do, it will typically go to one of them, Fiala or Vilardi

 

[Fishhead]

I do think a team like Edmonton or Toronto is more desperate and will approach their asking price. I imagine something like Sandin, Knies, 2 2nds.




And see maybe that's why I"m a grumpy asshole about Chychrun. I've watched other Yotes games for him specifically and they're force feeding him as much as they can. He is rough defensively, anytime the play goes back his direction he's getting pushed around and hurt and then sits a few shifts. Great skater, great offensive instincts. Good defensive stick, and mostly good positioning. But gets caught in the spin cycle anytime guys switch and gets pushed around on the wall like he's Peter Harrold instead of a big, built tank. You know what? reminds me of early career Jack Johnson in that way. Physical specimen, probably sets all sorts of records in the gym, but gets pushed over by guys have his size. Funny enough every time I see them Ghost comes off as the superior two-way player that would be a better fit.

Note this is an extremely pessimistic view, mostly because the ask for the above rubs me totally the wrong way. Again, people think they're trading for (or he's being valued as) a big, strong, two-way d-man like Muzzin but they're getting a big Sean Durzi (with less balls). I could see both ways for sure--maybe he embraces a more competitive situation, gets insulated, takes to the system, and beasts out. The raw skills are there. But there is so damn much risk that I just do not like the player at that value so I'm totally biased because what I see is trading for a wish based on a draft day scouting report vs. a guarantee.

It reminds me of Anson Carter syndrome. Almost everyone wanted the guy, but what they really wanted was a vision of what they though AC was. He just wasn't that. JMFJ is actually a great example of a guy with reputation that wasn't what most people thought. Badass nickname, when what it really meant was "You were out of position trying to make a play and they scored, MF'er". He had his strengths but not the ones people thought he had.

Chychrun is basically Justin Faulk with a bit more offense and a bit less defense, and Faulk is no defensive wizard. He is being more physical this year, but he was below 3 hits/60 for the last couple of years. That's in the same realm as bruisers like Kopitar, Fiala and Vilardi. Even with his increased hit totals he still doesn't hit as often as Moore or Kaliyev. You can be physical without hitting, but it's just not in his game.

I agree the Kings could turn him into a fabulous, rounded player if he bought in, but for that price you want some semblance of certainty.

 

[Docgonzo]

It reminds me of Anson Carter syndrome. Almost everyone wanted the guy, but what they really wanted was a vision of what they though AC was. He just wasn't that. JMFJ is actually a great example of a guy with reputation that wasn't what most people thought. Badass nickname, when what it really meant was "You were out of position trying to make a play and they scored, MF'er". He had his strengths but not the ones people thought he had.

Chychrun is basically Justin Faulk with a bit more offense and a bit less defense, and Faulk is no defensive wizard. He is being more physical this year, but he was below 3 hits/60 for the last couple of years. That's in the same realm as bruisers like Kopitar, Fiala and Vilardi. Even with his increased hit totals he still doesn't hit as often as Moore or Kaliyev. You can be physical without hitting, but it's just not in his game.

I agree the Kings could turn him into a fabulous, rounded player if he bought in, but for that price you want some semblance of certainty.

Ugh that JMFJ Michigan highlight video was the worst thing we ever could’ve seen after getting JJ. He never did any of that at the nhl level.

 

[BringTheReign]

There's no way the Ducks would've traded him to us, but damn would it have been nice to trade for Lindholm last year.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Forget the fact that Moore was just signed. Why would Blake trade both of those players for only a second and a third?

What? You don’t trust Dick Cheese’s Intel is insider gold? He’s obviously the #1 sandwich artist at the Ottawa municipal airport Subway franchise. The number of CHL movers and shakers per 60 has to be peak at that location. I doubt Blake’s trade with Lou was the best tidbit dropped that day.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

The Kings should consider trading Kevin Fiala while he's hot. There's nothing that gets me harder than draft picks upon draft picks upon draft picks. Never mind the fact that there's barely any room for prospects to play, but the Kings are better off hording more and more of them.

 

[Docgonzo]

I understand the concept of trading a forward for a 1st specifically so they can flip that pick and maybe next years for roster help. And believing a prospect can step into the lineup and help.

But don’t understand trading the local kid, what few locals that actually play in the nhl, that you just extended like 3 weeks ago.

 

[raswilliam]

on the Provorov front

 

[Cook24]

on the Provorov front