Speculation: LA Kings News, Rumors, Roster Thread part VII

[BigKing]

If playoffs were the main expectation, why wouldn't TMac and Blake be forcefully saying so before the season? Throwing the gauntlet down, lightning a fire under the team's asses, whatever you want to call it. I agree with you that those moves were meant to meaningfully improve this team, but I disagree that it was a make-or-break playoff year. Arvidsson was a reclamation project. Edler had been declining. Danault for sure was a big play, but we had no idea Moore and Arvidsson would blow up playing with him.

I think your point about getting contributions from different places than expected is a great one, but I think the fact that we're doing this well when some of the younger guys haven't emerged yet is even more encouraging for the future. I look at players like Kyrou and Terry elsewhere on top of the awesome development of our young defensemen. We had more spots on defense, and players stepped up. I've been frustrated more spots haven't been open in the top 9, but the forwards have demolished the AHL this year and guys like Kaliyev who did make it to the NHL have continually improved.

I'll stop this rant here, but I guess I'm just trying to paint an optimistic view of your points. I get not subscribing to it, but I'll throw it out there anyways.

I don't disagree with @Herby very often but I have thought from the outset that this season was not "playoffs or bust" but rather the following:

- Be in the thick of the playoff race
- Have the top-flight prospects, sans Clarke, push for spots and/or become key contributors allowing Blake to know what he has on his hands

Danault is a long-term signing even if this might be the best season he ever puts up. He is supposed to eventually be an elite 3C or 2B center to one of the young guys. Arvi was cheap and a case of Blake having dry powder and taking advantage of a situation. If he kept sucking, no big deal.

The problem is that the top-flight prospects--except for Kaliyev--have been very disappointing so Blake either still doesn't know what he has at the forward position or he knows it isn't what he hoped it would be. The counter to this is that Sean Durzi is playing 25 minutes a night right now, Spence has jumped in and looked legit and Bjornfot was really coming along. Forward was supposed to be the strength of this prospect pool but it definitely looks like a shift has taken place and Blake is going to have to adjust on the fly.

Make no mistake: they want to make the playoffs but the lack of activity here at the deadline should confirm what I've thought since the start of the season--they did not go "all-in" with the Danault and Arvi moves. Whether they make or miss the playoffs, the biggest weaknesses will look to be addressed in the off-season and Blake is going to have to finally move on from some of his children.

What they couldn't have this season was a repeat of last year. Even with a complete collapse here down the stretch, said potential collapse will be pinned on injuries.

 

[Herby]

Wait...what? Danault's CAREER HIGH...is 19.....not 30...not for 3 years...

GB, check it again man. I was talking about him having 30 goals combined the previous three seasons and being on pace for 25 this season at age 29. That is probably not sustainable next season. Something else to consider when evaluating next years potential team and how the offense will be.

 

[Martyros]

Not to mention, alot of trades were horrific. The fact that Blake was able to get a bottom pairing dman for a 7th round pick while f***ing Kulak netted a 2nd on top of a 7th is beyond ridiculous.

 

[kingsfan28]

I'm disappointed, I think this deadline was going to be one of the last chances to cash in on depreciating assets before they are either lost for nothing or lose even more of their value. And the chance to maybe add a little something for this years playoffs.

Kopitar, Danault, Byfield and now Lizotte all signed for next season at center. Kempe, Moore, Kaliyev, Iafallo, Arvidsson, Lemieux at wing, probably guys like Grundstrom and Lias (or similar players) as healthy scratches. Brown is gone, that is fine, AA for all the shit he gets has produced goals better than almost anyone on the team, so he goes to be replaced by what, an unproven young player? With this teams inept offensive play I wouldn't even count on him not coming back.

You have four formerly highly rated centers who are all apparently wings now competing for 2 spots (maybe even 1), two of them hit waivers if they don't make the team, the other two start to enter into bust territory if they don't make the team. That doesn't even include Fagemo.

I don't know, maybe stuff happens by the time they break camp next year but that is the absolute latest something can be done to thin out the fringe players.

I just don't know with how bad the offense was this year and the likelihood that Kopitar gets worse, Kempe and Danault return to normal production and AA leaves (as most want) how we aren't completely terrified about how our forwards look next year. It could be even worse than this year. Mayne Blake is going to do something huge this summer and make his Richards or Palffy trade, if he does it's understandable. If we enter next year with

Kaliyev - Kopitar - Kempe
Moore - Danault - Arvy
Iafallo - Byfield - Vilardi
Lemieux - Lizotte - Kupari

we won't take another step.

We're playing the kids, isn't that what you've been screaming about all season? I doubt Kupari stays, hell even Iafollo may be expendable if the right deal come through. Lizzotte , even with the extension could lose his job to a new prospect, or just do the job he's good at, 4th line center. Look , I get what your saying, but the sky isn't falling dude.

 

[HookKing]

People are disappointed that we didn't make a big move? Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Why trade any picks prospects for what is most likely going to be a 1st round exit, if we even make the playoffs? This year was a surprise no matter how it ends, and it should be a year for experience with regards to the new kids in the block that haven't had the prior experiences that others on the team had. Next year will be different, assuming the team progresses instead of regressing. Make another move or 2 in the offseason as Blake did with Arvidsson and Danault and carry it forward.

Welcome to the board where second-guessing has become an art form.

 

[funky]

Blake just put the rest of the season on the current players to step up. No one is going to come in and carry them the the playoffs.

Vets like Kopitar and a Iafallo will have to get it going. Byfield will have to push through his mental block, he is the man on that line now go play like it.

Poor Defence core. We got our wish. Seeing what the kids can do. Sounds like Blake tried to fill that box with Chychrun right up until deadline and when it didn’t happen he was done. Will try again at the draft.

 

[kingsfan28]

""Mikey Anderson gone 6-8 weeks"" It's already been 2 weeks, I think.

Geez...that play along the boards with Marhchand looked like nothing. Broken rib(s) would not even be 8-10 weeks. Spleen? But that would have been surgery.

He left the ice, took another shift and looked fine, then was out. I thought he just had the wind knocked out of him. Something must've broke.

 

[Herby]

I think some of you believe the people that wanted to make trades were looking to deal for rentals, not sure that is the case.

I was hoping to either do nothing or to get someone who would help the team now and in the future. I'd rather have done nothing than trade for a rental but I think there was an opportunity to add a future piece with the added benefit of having that player potentially help the team make the playoffs. At this point the Kings are not going to be bad enough to get a decent pick so it's either playoffs or black hole. If you are going to do something in the summer for a player you might be able to get now why not consider it. Now for all we know Blake may have inside knowledge that someone good could be on the market this summer that isn't now, that is my hope. But if the Kings end up trading for JC or Garland this summer I think it would be dumb to have not done it now.

The involved cost could maybe be less, but so could the value of stuff the Kings are trading. Vilardi, Kupari, JAD and Turcotte have all certainly seen their trade value drop significantly from when they were drafted, or in the case of JAD when he made the NHL at 19. With the way the season has gone for all of them there is a risk that their value will fall even more over the next 20 games of the season.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

People are disappointed that we didn't make a big move? Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Why trade any picks prospects for what is most likely going to be a 1st round exit, if we even make the playoffs? This year was a surprise no matter how it ends, and it should be a year for experience with regards to the new kids in the block that haven't had the prior experiences that others on the team had. Next year will be different, assuming the team progresses instead of regressing. Make another move or 2 in the offseason as Blake did with Arvidsson and Danault and carry it forward.

Certain people here would be disappointed if the Kings had a Cinderella playoff run and then lost in the SCF taking it to 7 games. These are also the same people who probably had the Kings pegged for finishing in the bottom 5 this year.

 

[Herby]

We're playing the kids, isn't that what you've been screaming about all season? I doubt Kupari stays, hell even Iafollo may be expendable if the right deal come through. Lizzotte , even with the extension could lose his job to a new prospect, or just do the job he's good at, 4th line center. Look , I get what your saying, but the sky isn't falling dude.

No. I wanted to play the young players and suck this season and get a high pick to add to the rebuild. But I am just analyzing where they currently are in the standings with the moves made last summer with an attempt to make the playoffs. I wanted to add a player who can help now and in the future and dump some of the excess.

Why do you think Kupari won't stay? He has been the best of the four 1st round centers this season, IMO.

I think more roster spots are locked in for next season than you think.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

I think some of you believe the people that wanted to make trades were looking to deal for rentals, not sure that is the case.

I was hoping to either do nothing or to get someone who would help the team now and in the future. I'd rather have done nothing than trade for a rental but I think there was an opportunity to add a future piece with the added benefit of having that player potentially help the team make the playoffs. At this point the Kings are not going to be bad enough to get a decent pick so it's either playoffs or black hole. If you are going to do something in the summer for a player you might be able to get now why not consider it. Now for all we know Blake may have inside knowledge that someone good could be on the market this summer that isn't now, that is my hope. But if the Kings end up trading for JC or Garland this summer I think it would be dumb to have not done it now.

The involved cost could maybe be less, but so could the value of stuff the Kings are trading. Vilardi, Kupari, JAD and Turcotte have all certainly seen their trade value drop significantly from when they were drafted, or in the case of JAD when he made the NHL at 19. With the way the season has gone for all of them there is a risk that their value will fall even more over the next 20 games of the season.

Did you see the haul that Lindholm got? Unbelievable ... I couldn't even imagine what it would have taken to acquire Chychrun. No f***ing thanks, glad Blake stood pat.

 

[Nasti]

The Kings are in no position to acquire big name rentals. You only do that when you’re a real contender that needs to get over the hump. Otherwise, depth moves are the way to go. Glad Blake and the staff were honest with themselves today.

 

[kingsfan28]

There really weren't any deals made at this deadline that seemed like the Kings missed out on, and all the big names that were rumored to be moved, like J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, Conor Garland, Jakob Chychrun, Lawson Crouse, etc., all stayed put.

I expect Blake to be busier this summer, where the Kings will have a lot more cap flexibility and can make a longer lasting, impact trade rather than overspending on a rental to fill a temporary hole in the lineup.

The prices ARZ wants were astronomical, even for Crouse. I don't think Van were sellers, [at least for those 3 ] since they're still sort of in it. No way I'd give up a top prospect and high pick for Garland. Looks like nobody else would either. Better deals in the summer leading up to the draft.

 

[Herby]

Did you see the haul that Lindholm got? Unbelievable ... I couldn't even imagine what it would have taken to acquire Chychrun. No f***ing thanks, glad Blake stood pat.

How do you plan to address the Kings lack of high-end talent that has been accumulated in the rebuild if you don't want to pay the price to trade for one and will be to good to likely have a chance to draft any?

Going to hope to sign an elite player in FA? I guess it's possible, Danault did work out.

 

[Docgonzo]

This off-season Blake really needs to start moving some prospects before they’re worth absolutely nothing. Some of the college kids may turn pro plus the possibility of prospects coming from overseas. Possibly time to move on from the kids that are all that same prospects. Maybe trade them for some sandpaper or tough prospects.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

How do you plan to address the Kings lack of high-end talent that has been accumulated in the rebuild if you don't want to pay the price to trade for one and will be to good to likely have a chance to draft any?

Going to hope to sign an elite player in FA? I guess it's possible, Danault did work out.

Lack of high-end talent? What talent are you referring to as lacking? The kids who aren't even old enough to drink a beer?

What player were you expecting Blake to acquire exactly?

 

[kingsfan28]

GB, check it again man. I was talking about him having 30 goals combined the previous three seasons and being on pace for 25 this season at age 29. That is probably not sustainable next season. Something else to consider when evaluating next years potential team and how the offense will be.

Wasn't the reason he signed here was the position Blake said he'd put him in, you know to actually score and generate plays? That was the main issue in MTL, how the coach used him and he was the whipping boy for their failure to win. He wanted no part of that. Now, what do you know, he's doing everything you want a 2c to do, and he's a leader on the team. Don't write him off on a season that's yet to be played.

 

[kingsfan28]

No. I wanted to play the young players and suck this season and get a high pick to add to the rebuild. But I am just analyzing where they currently are in the standings with the moves made last summer with an attempt to make the playoffs. I wanted to add a player who can help now and in the future and dump some of the excess.

Why do you think Kupari won't stay? He has been the best of the four 1st round centers this season, IMO.

I think more roster spots are locked in for next season than you think.

He will be moved as part of a deal to improve the left side. To me, he the most expendable and honestly, he's yet to impress me. A few good goals over the season, but aside from that, he just doesn't use his speed, shot or skills enough. The last goal he score showed what he could do, then what, nothing even remotely close to that. I didn't notice him at all in the last few games [ along with a lot of others].

 

[kingsfan28]

Did you see the haul that Lindholm got? Unbelievable ... I couldn't even imagine what it would have taken to acquire Chychrun. No f***ing thanks, glad Blake stood pat.

And he was a UFA, [then signed a 8 year extension]. My guess is that the Ducks agreed on the price , not the years. The Bruins probably knew this when the got him. But yeah, that's a lot for a 29 year old. Brain Burke said it best, some of the worst moves you make happen at the trade deadline.

 

[Mats26]

When I got the notification for: Brown traded to Bruins...... then saw.... by Senators for Senyshyn

Major downer.

 

[Reaper45]

Blake just put the rest of the season on the current players to step up. No one is going to come in and carry them the the playoffs.

Vets like Kopitar and a Iafallo will have to get it going. Byfield will have to push through his mental block, he is the man on that line now go play like it.

Poor Defence core. We got our wish. Seeing what the kids can do. Sounds like Blake tried to fill that box with Chychrun right up until deadline and when it didn’t happen he was done. Will try again at the draft.

We have a saying at work, no one is coming it’s up to us. Basically the same shit with the current Kings team. It’s on you guys now. Get us in and don’t expect help.

 

[Mats26]

Well....Lizotte just signed for 2 more years. 1.675 per seems like our 4th liner for at least 2 more years, scratch another roster spot from the kids.
Kempe will also get paid. Some of these boyz will get rewarded just because we made the playoffs this year. Nothing guaranteed yet but could see that happening. Wait till Moore is up. Cap space is dwindling

 

[King'sPawn]

Overall, I'm happy with the deadline.
- The Kings didn't pay ridiculous prices with prospects for a player whose pushing of the needle would be debatable. They made fair exchanges for depth moves.
- The Kings didn't sell. Not that I expected them to.
- They moved some depth pieces around to show there's more opportunity for prospects who HAVE come to play (i.e. Spence) but also trying to keep the Reign competitive.

The defense is coming along nicely. If only we can get forward prospects brought up to speed.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Stecher, Allard, Nogier. That's no more Doughty or Roy this year, because Spence/Strand have to stick around, so fill up the right side in Ontario.

As for why not trade some guys since you've basically punted on the season, well they're all hurt too. I guess you could deal Maatta for a 7th, but who cares either way.

They'll give it their go the rest of the way, but not a roster management feels confident investing in the rest of the way. But as everyone has said, there will have to be moves made this summer.

 

[Schmooley]

Stecher, Allard, Nogier. That's no more Doughty or Roy this year, because Spence/Strand have to stick around, so fill up the right side in Ontario.

As for why not trade some guys since you've basically punted on the season, well they're all hurt too. I guess you could deal Maatta for a 7th, but who cares either way.

They'll give it their go the rest of the way, but not a roster management feels confident investing in the rest of the way. But as everyone has said, there will have to be moves made this summer.

You think Doughty and Roy are done for the rest of the season? Durzi and Spence really getting their shot to earn a role for the future. Also wouldnt mind seeing Clarke and Faber get a look when they are eligible.