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

[driller1]

Spence is already the 2nd best Dman behind Doughty in breaking out of the D-zone. Dude's passes are right on the tape for breakouts. Durzi has more flash in the offensive zone, but I'll take Spence in a heartbeat for his transition game.

 

[Steve Zissou]

Except that by the time the Kings are contenders he won't be on that contract anymore, so you may as well get supreme value In a trade for him now, unless he plans to sign another sweety pie deal.

You're missing my point. I don't think the Kings will be legitimate contenders this year or next year. And moore won't be on this contract after next year, so you could acquire significant value for him this summer that will help once they are actually contenders, as opposed to him who could be making 5m+ on his next contract if he stays at this pace.

Or maybe the Kings will be contenders this and next year, in which case, yes, they should keep him. I just don't believe they are

They may not be legitimate contenders this year but they are currently in a playoff position. And their remaining games schedule is 3rd best in the league: NHL Remaining Schedule Strength | Tankathon

LA has been able to surprise a lot of people this year. Overachieved, yes. But like we saw in 2012 barely squeaking into the dance as an 8th seed, anything can happen in the post season. So I'd rather not listen to you about my teams' chances in the playoffs. Thanks, but no thanks.

This team has continued to find their identity, culture, and have fought through a ton of injuries this year. If anything, it's showing how much young depth they have and how the success they have found down in Ontario has resonated upwards.

The last couple of games they have iced nearly an entire AHL team and and even us Kings fans have predicted how much they will get blown out, only to witness them fight and battle and prove us wrong nearly at every turn.

And if you have been paying attention, LA is coming out of a short rebuild and on the up and up. They are the last team to start start selling off their young assets just because they will need a new contract in a year or two. Maybe package a trade for a LD, yes, but that's not what you are advocating and different topic altogether.

If anything, Moore is showing he has a ton of untapped potential (perhaps some we haven't even seen yet) and like Kempe that is something to reward the player with a new contract... similar to the recent human-gnat-that-you-can't-get-out-of-your-face Blake Lizotte contract. Worth every penny.

And get it right – he's Thousand Oaks Native Trevor f***ing Moore. Say his name.

Good day and good night.

 

[AlphaBravo]

They may not be legitimate contenders this year but they are currently in a playoff position. And their remaining games schedule is 3rd best in the league: NHL Remaining Schedule Strength | Tankathon

LA has been able to surprise a lot of people this year. Overachieved, yes. But like we saw in 2012 barely squeaking into the dance as an 8th seed, anything can happen in the post season. So I'd rather not listen to you about my teams' chances in the playoffs. Thanks, but no thanks.

This team has continued to find their identity, culture, and have fought through a ton of injuries this year. If anything, it's showing how much young depth they have and how the success they have found down in Ontario has resonated upwards.

The last couple of games they have iced nearly an entire AHL team and and even us Kings fans have predicted how much they will get blown out, only to witness them fight and battle and prove us wrong nearly at every turn.

And if you have been paying attention, LA is coming out of a short rebuild and on the up and up. They are the last team to start start selling off their young assets just because they will need a new contract in a year or two. Maybe package a trade for a LD, yes, but that's not what you are advocating and different topic altogether.

If anything, Moore is showing he has a ton of untapped potential (perhaps some we haven't even seen yet) and like Kempe that is something to reward the player with a new contract... similar to the recent human-gnat-that-you-can't-get-out-of-your-face Blake Lizotte contract. Worth every penny.

And get it right – he's Thousand Oaks Native Trevor f***ing Moore. Say his name.

Good day and good night.

Yesterday's win was nice and all, but I would temper my expectations. For starters, time will tell if our best prospects pan out. Yes, it was great seeing Byfield score for once, but it is a big question mark if he will be an impactful top 6 forward. Same concerns exist for Vilardi, Turcotte, Kupari etc.

The Kings need to keep on drafting well and hope that a couple of them pan out. As far as the playoffs are concerns, let's not hold our breath. A young team like this will get pushed around and swept or barely win a game or two.

 

[BringTheReign]

Spence is already the 2nd best Dman behind Doughty in breaking out of the D-zone. Dude's passes are right on the tape for breakouts. Durzi has more flash in the offensive zone, but I'll take Spence in a heartbeat for his transition game.

I think Spence is a better defender than Durzi as well. His gap control is superb and he’s quite adept physically despite his size.

 

[King'sPawn]

You're missing my point. I don't think the Kings will be legitimate contenders this year or next year. And moore won't be on this contract after next year, so you could acquire significant value for him this summer that will help once they are actually contenders, as opposed to him who could be making 5m+ on his next contract if he stays at this pace.

Or maybe the Kings will be contenders this and next year, in which case, yes, they should keep him. I just don't believe they are

I don't know how you can assert significant value at this price but not feel what he brings is significant value when the Kings are contenders.

Unless you mean maximize return?

In which case, I don't know how you can already plan on trading away Moore (or really any player) without having players in the system who can replace him.

 

[bmr]

I think Spence is a better defender than Durzi as well. His gap control is superb and he’s quite adept physically despite his size.

Spence definitely makes up for his perceived physical flaws with great skating and decision making. He thinks the game at a very high level too. How in the world can you send this guy down once the injured players come back? I mean he had the most ice time last night of any skater. That speaks volumes to me.

Doughty
Bjornfot
Roy
Edler
Maatta
Durzi
Spence
Stecher
Moverare

If you're keeping 6 of those, Moverare is back to the AHL. Would you take Stecher over Spence? What about Maatta?

 

[DoktorJeep]

The Kings have obvious shortcomings for a playoff bound team, but the rest of the division is just as flawed. If they get Edmonton in round one, I like their chances with or without home ice advantage.

Making it to the second round will be great ROI in roster construction. Getting there with contributions from throughout the lineup is the best case scenario. And if that lineup features top prospects as every day players, you’ve hit the jackpot on realistic expectations.

The real test is for the coaches to make the right choices on who to play. With the injuries being the wild card, the only true challenge is roster stability. Shuffling players in and out isn’t conducive to getting on a winning groove. Trying to reintegrate vets should not be the #1 factor in decision making, both leading up to the playoffs and during them.

 

[tbrown33]

I think Spence is a better defender than Durzi as well. His gap control is superb and he’s quite adept physically despite his size.

Spence was winning 1v1 battles defending Forsberg.

 

[Fishhead]

I think Spence is a better defender than Durzi as well. His gap control is superb and he’s quite adept physically despite his size.

I think Durzi is a bit better on the defensive side still, Spence still makes some boneheaded plays and passes. What's most impressive to me about Spence is pretty much everything he's screwing up are things that are fixable, and he fixes things quickly. During the early 2nd period he made a really poor decision, made a bad pass, lost his guy, and it led to a really good chance. Later in the game in the same types of situations, he was doing the complete opposite and you could see the process.

He started wilting there when NSH made that push in the 2nd period, but by the 3rd he had adjusted and was better prepared. He's still going to struggle with a few things but dude is like a sponge. Personally, I think we will see some slight regression as the grind sets in and he might a little more time on the farm, but man he's a player.

 

[DoktorJeep]

Spence reminds me of Voynov when it comes to skating. He’s so good at positioning himself that he’s always on the right side of the puck. That’s just a natural born hockey player skill. And it completely mitigates a lack of size when matching up against 6’+ opponents.

 

[YP44]

Spence definitely makes up for his perceived physical flaws with great skating and decision making. He thinks the game at a very high level too. How in the world can you send this guy down once the injured players come back? I mean he had the most ice time last night of any skater. That speaks volumes to me.

Doughty
Bjornfot
Roy
Edler
Maatta
Durzi
Spence
Stecher
Moverare

If you're keeping 6 of those, Moverare is back to the AHL. Would you take Stecher over Spence? What about Maatta?

Bjornfot-Doughty
Bjornfot-Durzi
Spence-Roy
Edler

 

[YP44]

this past offseason prospect rankings I voted spence early and often. Such a stud, hope LA finds a way to keep him up, but who knows once everyone is healthy. It is a good problem to have.

 

[regulate]

I think Spence is a better defender than Durzi as well. His gap control is superb and he’s quite adept physically despite his size.

100% agreed.

Likely one or two of the Kings RHD's are going to be moved over the summer, dealing from a position of strength to shore up the team's weaknesses. Walker comes to mind (if he can pass a physical) of course, but Spence's play so early in his pro career makes me think, for now anyway, he a keeper. I can see Durzi being moved while his value is high. Grans might also be a prospect that teams could ask for. I don't think the Kings would want to move Faber or Clarke without a significant established player in return.

 

[regulate]

Spence definitely makes up for his perceived physical flaws with great skating and decision making. He thinks the game at a very high level too. How in the world can you send this guy down once the injured players come back? I mean he had the most ice time last night of any skater. That speaks volumes to me.

Doughty
Bjornfot
Roy
Edler
Maatta
Durzi
Spence
Stecher
Moverare

If you're keeping 6 of those, Moverare is back to the AHL. Would you take Stecher over Spence? What about Maatta?

Moverare cannot go back to the AHL this season. He is ineligible to play the rest of the regular AHL season and playoffs since he was not on the AHL roster at the trade deadline. Besides, he would have to clear waivers again and now that he's proven he can play at this level, chances are he'd be scooped up. The only player eligible to go back to the AHL this year on D is Spence.

 

[kilowatt]

Bjornfot-Doughty
Bjornfot-Durzi
Spence-Roy
Edler

Not sure we want to double-shift Bjornfot but we could try it

 

[Martyros]

Of all the prospects we have, Spence and Durzi blossomed from day 1 in the NHL. Durzi still has his weaknesses which we all knew he had but nonetheless, he has been a surprise. Spence leading all players in toi is great to see.

 

[redcard]

Spence definitely makes up for his perceived physical flaws with great skating and decision making. He thinks the game at a very high level too. How in the world can you send this guy down once the injured players come back? I mean he had the most ice time last night of any skater. That speaks volumes to me.

Doughty
Bjornfot
Roy
Edler
Maatta
Durzi
Spence
Stecher
Moverare

If you're keeping 6 of those, Moverare is back to the AHL. Would you take Stecher over Spence? What about Maatta?

The Stetcher acquisition says to me that the organization does not expect all the injured players back soon. I anticipate Spence will remain in the lineup for a while longer.

 

[bmr]

Moverare cannot go back to the AHL this season. He is ineligible to play the rest of the regular AHL season and playoffs since he was not on the AHL roster at the trade deadline. Besides, he would have to clear waivers again and now that he's proven he can play at this level, chances are he'd be scooped up. The only player eligible to go back to the AHL this year on D is Spence.

That is no bueno.

 

[KingsHockey24]

So what happens when Bjornfot, Doughty, and Roy come back?

Bjornfot - Doughty
Maatta - Roy
Edler - Durzi
*Stecher

No way we can scratch The King Olli Maatta right? He's been too damn good.

 

[bmr]

So what happens when Bjornfot, Doughty, and Roy come back?

Bjornfot - Doughty
Maatta - Roy
Edler - Durzi
*Stecher

No way we can scratch The King Olli Maatta right? He's been too damn good.

When have you seen a defenseman playing the most minutes right now (Spence) be scratched or returned to Ontario? I get that the easy decision is to send him back once players return, but he's clearly demonstrated the ability to play top line minutes after only 7 games.

 

[Little Psycho]

 

[johnjm22]

When have you seen a defenseman playing the most minutes right now (Spence) be scratched or returned to Ontario? I get that the easy decision is to send him back once players return, but he's clearly demonstrated the ability to play top line minutes after only 7 games.

So who do you think they would bench in order to play him?

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Spence is my dude. Trade whoever can get the best return out of Durzi and Roy buy keep Spence.

 

[lumbergh]

Moverare cannot go back to the AHL this season. He is ineligible to play the rest of the regular AHL season and playoffs since he was not on the AHL roster at the trade deadline. Besides, he would have to clear waivers again and now that he's proven he can play at this level, chances are he'd be scooped up. The only player eligible to go back to the AHL this year on D is Spence.

Moverare is slow as molasses, but he never seems to be on the wrong side of the puck. Positionally very smart to make up for his lack of speed. In 10 games he's been on the ice for 1 even strength goal against, 5 for. No bueno on the PK, though. I'm not sure he wouldn't make it through waivers, but probably not a huge loss given the depth back there.

 

[lumbergh]

So who do you think they would bench in order to play him?

Everything we've seen and heard so far from Blake says he will use the ability to move a rookie up and down from Ontario until the tires on the bus wear out. Almost sure thing Spence will go to Ontario when the Kings run out of room. Spence would absolutely have to explode ala Makar to stay on the team in April.