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

[deaderhead28]

 

[KingsCrunch]

I still miss Bob calling the games.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I'm bummed but also laughing that Quick didnt' even update his kit aside from the hack job on his helmet

if i"m gonna barf about him being in Vegas I AT LEAST want to see some gold pads or an updated Knight helmet

 

[TruKingFan]

Moore should have not been re-signed. That's a spot that should have been opened to fill internally.

I hated that signing. Unless Blake can offload AI in the summer.

 

[TruKingFan]

You'd think Quick was traded at 30 while having a good year. He got a 10 year deal, which is essentially a NMC for anyone, but especially a goalie, and he played pretty much the entire 10 years here. They only got rid of him at 37, in the middle of the worst season of his career, on top of his 3 worst seasons coming in the last 5 years.

Kings trade franchise icon. Again, at 37 years of age, with an .876 sv%. And it's .854% since Dec 1st. And it's .841% since Jan 1st. And .821% since Feb 1st. He was 3-1 since Feb 1st though.

If Quick does anything for Vegas, especially against the Kings, it will literally be the only thing we talk about until the Kings win the Cup again. It will surpass they should've traded Kopitar, or they shouldn't have traded for Lucic. We won't even remember who Kopitar and Lucic are. But he wasn't good as a King in 22-23.



What's less traveled or unusual about Vilardi? He was a highly though of prospect, who was taken lower than he otherwise would've been in the draft because of injury. The Kings took him, and took the time to develop him into what looks like a decent player. If Turcotte is healthy, he should be a player of some kind. Whether he should've been taken 5th or 10th, people thought he was a decent prospect. Muzzin had the back issue in junior, and would've likely been taken higher in the draft than he otherwise would've been due to that injury, and was let go by a couple other NHL teams, and then the Kings signed him, and took the time to develop him into a decent player.

You just don't want to give this iteration of Kings management any credit for anything.

But the “wise” men of HF have deemed them to be! You’d be branded a troll and a “contrarian” (LMAO!) for embracing the “Kings don’t suck right now so they must be doing something right” fact.

 

[Bandit]

I'm bummed but also laughing that Quick didnt' even update his kit aside from the hack job on his helmet

if i"m gonna barf about him being in Vegas I AT LEAST want to see some gold pads or an updated Knight helmet

He still might. It’s only been a couple days

 

[KingsHockey24]

Just learned that MacEwen was activated off IR from having a fractured jaw a few days ago.

Not what I want to hear about our new face puncher. I have a feeling he's getting Andreoff'd.

 

[chris kontos]

I hated that signing. Unless Blake can offload AI in the summer.

my prediction is that despite iafallo's decreasing mediocrity, blake will never get rid of him. because he surfs.
im serious.

 

[Kingspiracy]

Just learned that MacEwen was activated off IR from having a fractured jaw a few days ago.

Not what I want to hear about our new face puncher. I have a feeling he's getting Andreoff'd.

You really seem to dislike the guy /trade before he's even suited up.

Is it because he gets in the way of a Cliffy retread?

Lets hope the lad goes well. If he sucks with his opportunity here then sure lets pile on.

 

[KingsHockey24]

You really seem to dislike the guy /trade before he's even suited up.

Is it because he gets in the way of a Cliffy retread?

Lets hope the lad goes well. If he sucks with his opportunity here then sure lets pile on.

Clifford is retiring a Leaf, this has nothing to do with him.

It's a genuine concern. We're bringing in a guy with a f***ed up jaw that punches people for a living.

 

[Kingspiracy]

Clifford is retiring a Leaf, this has nothing to do with him.

It's a genuine concern. We're bringing in a guy with a f***ed up jaw that punches people for a living.

Meh, he better work on his defence then.

He is probably better off with cracked jaw than a suspect chin.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Have to plug two LHD holes, the following are UFA

Gavrikov
Orlov
Ghost
Dumolin
Dunn
Graves
Soucy
Mikkola

And work on moving salary elsewhile

The $$$ moving should/will come from forwards as we have infinity in Ontario knocking on the door for exactly this purpose

Phaneuf's $1,062,500 Falls off as does 200,000 of Richards' deal

Vilardi needs a new contract, as does JAD and Kupari (and Lias Andersson)

Players that will require waivers next season, coincidentally ALL are RFAs:
Bjornfot
Kupari
Thomas
Fagemo
Madden
Villalta
Dudas

following season:
Spence
Turcotte
Kaliyev (though he may hit games early? not sure)
Ingham
Hrenak
Ward - RFA 2023

Will be an interesting offseason. Do they pray Cal returns to form, or trade him with another 1st and make room for the future? Do they ship out some forwards and play some cheaper kids? What defensemen make the cut? They HAVE to play Clarke for salary reasons if nothing else, right? Etc

 

[King'sPawn]

But the “wise” men of HF have deemed them to be! You’d be branded a troll and a “contrarian” (LMAO!) for embracing the “Kings don’t suck right now so they must be doing something right” fact.

It actually looks like you get branded a troll and contrarian when you make up shit about people, duck away from honest discussion, and derail threads when things don't go their way.

There's a wide spectrum of people with varying degrees of feelings about the state of the Kings, yet the same handful of people get called out for their antics. And it's not because they are generally happy about the direction Blake and Luc have taken LA.

 

[FSL KINGS]

What on earth are you talking about? I am talking about there being merit to a path that’s well traversed and less merit on paths less taken. Point being, Vilardi development is highly unusual and to use that to justify that Turcotte will be something is irrational.

Breaking into the league at 18 & earning a spot, I'd say is unusual. it's exciting so when it happens everyone notices. Players working on & improving their game & earning a spot in the league from 23-25 is the much more common path. Vilardi's path was unique, but the time frame for development is probably the norm.

Turcotte like Vilardi has a good skill set. His is different in that he has the motor & compete & Vilardi has the high end skill. Like Vilardi it isn't a question about skill to make the NHL, but wether their health will allow it.

I think TM and Blake is going to be in for a reality check this playoffs.

The teams that will be battling the Kings added bigger, playoff type players.

If I was RB, I would look at Bertuzzi as a UFA and JT Miller via trade in the off-season.

The Kings don't have anyone in the top 6 who can play physical. Though, the best prospects Byfield, Kupari and Vilardi are big, besides Kupari, they don't play physical.

If the Kings don't dress Lemieux or MacEwan, there is nothing and you know it's bad when they compare Gabrikov to RR...LOL.

They'll toughen up or die.

Can't remember which grouchy old guy used to tell me that.

 

[LAKings88]

Have to plug two LHD holes, the following are UFA

Gavrikov
Orlov
Ghost
Dumolin
Dunn
Graves
Soucy
Mikkola

And work on moving salary elsewhile

The $$$ moving should/will come from forwards as we have infinity in Ontario knocking on the door for exactly this purpose

Phaneuf's $1,062,500 Falls off as does 200,000 of Richards' deal

Vilardi needs a new contract, as does JAD and Kupari (and Lias Andersson)

Players that will require waivers next season, coincidentally ALL are RFAs:
Bjornfot
Kupari
Thomas
Fagemo
Madden
Villalta
Dudas

following season:
Spence
Turcotte
Kaliyev (though he may hit games early? not sure)
Ingham
Hrenak
Ward - RFA 2023

Will be an interesting offseason. Do they pray Cal returns to form, or trade him with another 1st and make room for the future? Do they ship out some forwards and play some cheaper kids? What defensemen make the cut? They HAVE to play Clarke for salary reasons if nothing else, right? Etc

Kings need to trade Walker and a forward in the offseason.

I wonder if Durzi can fetch a first at the draft. Probably a long shot.

Petersen needs to go but dont know how they do that aside from a buyout. Not a good look.

I still think Mikkola would’ve been an awesome add but at this point resigning Gravikov and Vilardi are on my wish list. Kopri I n Ed to see more of.

I think AI is redundant and could be moved for cap relief.

Big summer to say the least.

Still no idea where they will get in guys like Fagemo, Spence, Clarke, and Turcotte.

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

I'm not trying to make excuses for him but Danault is playing like he's hurting, like Iafallo at the end of last year. Totally just eyeball speculation, though. He doesn't seem all there right now.

I commented a couple months ago while at a game that something looked off with him physically. But I could just be looking for an excuse where there isn't one.

 

[HookKing]

Breaking into the league at 18 & earning a spot, I'd say is unusual. it's exciting so when it happens everyone notices. Players working on & improving their game & earning a spot in the league from 23-25 is the much more common path. Vilardi's path was unique, but the time frame for development is probably the norm.

Turcotte like Vilardi has a good skill set. His is different in that he has the motor & compete & Vilardi has the high end skill. Like Vilardi it isn't a question about skill to make the NHL, but wether their health will allow it.



They'll toughen up or die.

Can't remember which grouchy old guy used to tell me that.

He told a lot of us that -- a guy named Johnny Cash courtesy of Shel Silverstein.

 

[Fishhead]

I commented a couple months ago while at a game that something looked off with him physically. But I could just be looking for an excuse where there isn't one.

Raccoon Jesus said:
I'm not trying to make excuses for him but Danault is playing like he's hurting, like Iafallo at the end of last year. Totally just eyeball speculation, though. He doesn't seem all there right now.

His last 3 games have been rougher though and he does look uncomfortable. Maybe he picked up a knock in the Rangers game? He seems to be missing that extra step where he drives down the middle or powers around the outside. He definitely looked better last night than against 'peg, that first line was a handful and they punish. Could have been that game too.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Have to plug two LHD holes, the following are UFA

Gavrikov
Orlov
Ghost
Dumolin
Dunn
Graves
Soucy
Mikkola

And work on moving salary elsewhile

The $$$ moving should/will come from forwards as we have infinity in Ontario knocking on the door for exactly this purpose

Phaneuf's $1,062,500 Falls off as does 200,000 of Richards' deal

Vilardi needs a new contract, as does JAD and Kupari (and Lias Andersson)

Players that will require waivers next season, coincidentally ALL are RFAs:
Bjornfot
Kupari
Thomas
Fagemo
Madden
Villalta
Dudas

following season:
Spence
Turcotte
Kaliyev (though he may hit games early? not sure)
Ingham
Hrenak
Ward - RFA 2023

Will be an interesting offseason. Do they pray Cal returns to form, or trade him with another 1st and make room for the future? Do they ship out some forwards and play some cheaper kids? What defensemen make the cut? They HAVE to play Clarke for salary reasons if nothing else, right? Etc

Only one LHD (2nd pairing)

Bjornfot is more than capable of 3rd pair ice-time and is 5x cheaper than going to free agency. Fingers crossed we can get a deal with Gavrikov done.

Walker and Edler 100% gone though.

Anderson-Doughty
Gavrikov-Clarke/Spence/Durzi
Bjornfot-Roy

 

[Telos]

The Kings' toughest and most significant logjam lies at forward I think. The defense is destined to fall into place within 1-2 seasons with Edler and Walker inevitably leaving this season or the next, and Clarke, Spence, and Bjornfot guaranteed to be coming in. Forward is where I am slightly concerned because all of the 'veteran'/older players are established with term and all of the younger players who are clearly playing well, developing, and climbing their upside potential are met with never being put in opportunities to shine or take their next step.

Kaliyev and Vilardi might not see top 6 minutes for 2-3 more seasons and only be used as bottom 6 PP specialists. Kupari maybe stuck on the lower end of the bottom 6 for a while now even though he has offensive instincts and speed while adapting his defensive game remarkably well to stick and justify remaining on the team with the bottom 6, but would be better utilized as a middle 6 winger though the logjam would never allow. And who knows about the Turcottes, Famegos, Chromiaks, and Pinellis of the depth chart...

Then there is Byfield who is playing great and getting invaluable experience but still needs to develop as a center at some point and I don't know if we want to just wait for Kopitar to decline to suddenly slide him over to #1 center for the first time then. He is fine with Kopi for now, but sooner or later he needs to take command of the second line and prove that he can lead it to be productive if he is to make it as a center. It will also be interesting to see how they handle the centers moving forward. Kopitar is justifiably hanging on at #1 for now, but Danault needs to eventually become the elite #3 shutdown two-way center of the team which is starting to look sooner rather than later unless Danault bounces back from an injury or something.

With Iafallo, Arvidsson, and Moore they have like $12.5 million tied up and they are clogging half of the top 9 wing positions where Kempe and Fiala are going nowhere anytime remotely soon. Something has got to give sooner or later. I like but don't love Arvidsson, but it is hard to argue with his production. All three of them have their injury histories, but Arvy does have the best production of the three. Moore has great chemistry and makes others better around him, but has the least production this year though injuries are a big factor.

That leaves Iafallo who is an enigma and I have a feeling Blake leans toward keeping him. He probably should be the one to go, but has the most intangibles of the three, is the most defensively responsible which keeps his stock higher in Tmac's book, is beloved in the locker room, and is seen as a leader on the team, and has produced admirably despite his injuries though not enough to justify top 6.

In the end, that leaves the compromise of dealing Moore or no one, but I have a feeling that Blake and TMac are going to stand pat as long as they can with the ELC's just grinding in the bottom 6 for better or worse. There is no happy solution to getting the kids in better positions to succeed and I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't Blake's plan all along to have all these high-pedigree players jammed on ELC's and packing the top 6 with veterans who are trusted to play right now. Given the recent trade, I think we are closer to his idea of a Cup contender than any of us expected.

 

[chris kontos]

Arvidson, lizotte, durzi

They may be runts but by gawd, the’re todd’s runts

 

[chris kontos]

Kaliev, villardi and potentially chromiak are 3 player types the kings havent had for a long time, if ever. We aint winning the cup.
Why not clear space for these guys to play up in the line up and get more than 7 GD minutes a game. These lads can flat put the puck in the net and its getting old watching lizotte and arvidson enter the o zone and get crushed
(Crushed is alot kinder term for what happens to them than what im thinkinking)

 

[Piston]

Three points:

Kings have a very easy schedule the rest of the way. Less than half their games are against teams currently in the playoffs, only one against a division leader, and no road trips east of Denver. They should have a great shot at winning the division and avoiding Edmonton in the first round.

I know it's early, but they should make a full court press to resign Gavrikov. The guy looks like a defensive stud. He created the Kempe goal even though he didn't get an assist. There was no way he was going to resign with Columbus, but maybe he revisits an extension now that he sees the talent in LA. 6 x $5.5 may get it done.

Kupari deserves an increased role. He is already playing very well defensively and needs ice time to hone his offense. How many players have his blend of speed and size? Plus, he's developing a physical aspect to his game. He should be given a shot at 3C and move Lizotte back to his natural position as 4C.

 

[Nasti]

Now here’s a franchise altering trade that quite a number of Kings fans hated at the time.

At the time, I said he’d be loved in the same way we loved Adam Deadmarsh.

 

[Telos]

Three points:

Kings have a very easy schedule the rest of the way. Less than half their games are against teams currently in the playoffs, only one against a division leader, and no road trips east of Denver. They should have a great shot at winning the division and avoiding Edmonton in the first round.

I know it's early, but they should make a full court press to resign Gavrikov. The guy looks like a defensive stud. He created the Kempe goal even though he didn't get an assist. There was no way he was going to resign with Columbus, but maybe he revisits an extension now that he sees the talent in LA. 6 x $5.5 may get it done.

Kupari deserves an increased role. He is already playing very well defensively and needs ice time to hone his offense. How many players have his blend of speed and size? Plus, he's developing a physical aspect to his game. He should be given a shot at 3C and move Lizotte back to his natural position as 4C.

The schedule is nice to have and hopefully they take advantage of it as there are no points to lose. Edmonton has an easy final schedule as well and at the moment we are likely to face them, Seatle, or Vegas in the first round. Edmonton fans are hoping we play Vegas, I think Kings fans would prefer Seattle, and I bet Seattle is happy and confident playing the underdog of be careful what you wish for.

The issue with Gavrikov is he has been open about wanting to test free agency and is laid back right now just focused on playing out the rest of his deal and getting used to the Kings. The best and highest chance play with Gavrikov right now is the riskiest and arguably what they are doing now. It is to wine and dine him, show him the finer points of the city, give him and his family the red carpet treatment, fuse him with the team identity and winning, and then revisit it after the season concludes, hopefully after an optimistic playoff run, and maybe he will come around to signing long-term in LA. That's probably their only shot with a player like him.

Agreed with Kupari, the logjams make it hard but in a perfect world he would be moved up the lineup.