I wouldn't expect Blake to show TMac the door until next season, if he is considering it at all. Given this core's history with coaches, you can tell that TMac has a much larger leash than most that have come before. TMac has definitely some glaring issues to address and mistakes have certainly been made, but there are some positive things he has headed and brought in and unless there is a colossal collapse this year, I can't see Blake taking it out on TMac.
Although I think TMac's longevity is at stake, he is signed through next season so alternately, if there is no step forward, if the Kings don't go deep in the playoffs this season or possibly next, I think Blake will part with him and not re-sign him.
Kopitar hasn't been bad necessarily, but he is now largely ineffective, clearly a couple of steps slower now, and no longer has the elite gear to do anything on his own and also no longer has the creativity to work with dynamic wingers if he ever had the ability... It is time to explore other options at 1C, LA literally has the biggest logjam at center in the league. There is no excuse not to explore their center depth. I think they need to try some prospects up there, Kopitar is now a 2C at best, and Danault is one of the very best 2/3C in the league so having him on the 3rd line would be a godsend and was the original plan with his signing. It is sink or swim time for some of these prospects. Kopitar and Fiala are a team worst -5 and need to be broken up. It is time for Byfield and company to take some steps and get some experience on the big stage for better or worse.
Vilardi is looking as legit as it gets. I don't think they should try him at center and just keep him on wing which further exacerbates the logjams all around, but there is no question that he needs more ice time and opportunity to shine. He is getting it done no matter who his linemates are and is developing that "it" factor. Don't mess with it, continue to grow it.
The defense is glaring and I think is a bigger problem than goaltending. There isn't a whole lot you can do on the goaltending front unless a drastic trade is made with Petersen. Quick is giving it his all and is good enough, but the defense is what is failing this team. If it the team can't win with Quick in net playing well then it isn't going to win regardless. This is going to fall on the coaches and ultimately Blake so I expect them to address this first otherwise it would absolutely be the reason to cause them to fall on their swords.
