Some weird statements here.
I think as fans we’re probably the most patient with a rebuild since we’re used to having a bad franchise. Some hyperbole being thrown around here about the growing frustration with the team that I will simplify to cut through these weird caricatures.
1. Kopitar and Doughty problem - at first we were all happy to have them be a part of the rebuild as mentors for the new players but that never happened because Kopitar and Doughty didn’t transition into support players. The way they were played as if the Kings were focused on winning rather than letting the youth get experience from high pressure moments. For example, Vilardi does not get OT time while Arvidsson and Moore does.
2. Next issue is asset management as a whole. We have players like Walker and Edler suppressing players like Spence and Clarke. We have a ton of RD that Blake for some reason didn’t trade for LD or improve the goaltending that struggled heavily. Both who are an easy upgrade over the current two in the line up. Coaching and or management, but the way they deploy these players is gross.
3. Drafting and development. It’s no shock or surprise that this issue pops up. How much of it has to do with Kopitar and Doughty eating a ton of ice time , I’m not sure, however the drafting and development has been abysmal. Byfield, injuries and age excuse don’t really explain why he just doesn’t ever look impressive. To the unknown fan you would never guess he was a second overall pick. 3rd or 4th rounder at best. Adrian Kempe “Success Story” the only player who supposedly developed but took like what 6 years? Had one really good season but is back to dogging it again. Had an anomaly season. Now Vilardi, I think he’s the miracle of this team. There’s nothing to indicate the team is responsible for this growth, but he’s the only player who’s looked talented that is growing. Through the entire rebuild and top picks, the Kings are looking at Vilardi and Clarke being by far the best players.
4. Identity. This one probably pisses me off the most. I swear to god if anyone of you could tell me what it’s certainty what the identity of this team is, you wouldn’t be able to. It blows my mind that we’re in 3 years, nearly 4 with Tmac and I have no idea what the team is wanting to play like. Blake doesn’t even know either. That’s absolutely ridiculous that Seattle established a team identity while only being 2 seasons old. And the Kings have ZERO identity.
To summarize, we’re patient as fans but there’s plenty of evidence that implicates that there are issues with drafting and development. Massive Issues with coaching for sure. And lack of aggressiveness from Blake to get a goalie and Ld when it’s been a super weak position for over a year. rebuild is fine but when you rebuild incorrectly that’s when the distrust will naturally happen. The team has so many question marks.
People don’t realize how close the Kings are to imploding if they keep this direction towards nothingness.
