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

[Peter James Bond II]

Line 1 has issues, as has been discussed, ad nauseum, but part of what has not been discussed (or at least have not seen) that it is charmin soft. Kopitar has never been physicality agressive, or punishing, but he gets softer and softer as each month passes. (There's absolutely no way he can play beyond his contract....but that's for another discussion, later and will be only manifested as we go. Gets slower, less effective, softer, etc)

But AI is SO weak, with no physicality, 10 PM in 2 years! He had speed, which he's somehow lost and is avg speed. He was tenacious, almost as much as Lizotte. And now he's not so much. He was always mediocre offensively minded / gifted and limited vision, with a below avg shot...does not score many in net scrums. Now, he's almost worthless. The 6'0" 200 lb lisitng is a joke. No way he's bigger than 5'11" and maybe 185.

Line 1 should be disbanded now and changed by Tuesday. But, TM will go down with his stupid lines and stupid rigid-ass ways. And be golfing on May 1.

 

[Schmooley]

Petersen/Quick are not even close to a level that Markstrom is playing at! Sutter adjusted his coaching style to apply with the more modern game. Flames are not structured to be big and heavy like Lombardi did with the Kings. The Flames are fast and have scoring talent. They have a bunch goal scorers besides a Kempe type. Sutter no longer has to coach a team to grind it out so much and create offense from defense like he had to coaching the Kings to their Cups. The Kings are stuck with defending so much, that it kills their offensive creativity. You can't be a regular playoff team and have some success trying to win low scoring games 2-1, 3-2, etc. Sutter has adjusted, but the Kings have not adjusted enough to improve their ability to score goals!

Also, the Flames have a strong top 4 d-pairs even after not protecting Giordano in the Expansion Draft. The Kings have Doughty, while the rest is somewhat unproven. They had to bring in 35 year old Edler to give the D-group some more stability. With Doughty out and if they still had not gotten Edler back from injury, things would have been a total mess on the back end! The Kings still have too many holes to make the playoffs.

The Kings are defending in a lot in these games because of the system in place. They are at their best this season when they have a relentless forecheck. Whenever the coach feels like its an important game or they try to hold on to a lead vs a heavier opponent he has them play 1-3-1. Its supposed to be situational shift by shift but when hes got his team sitting back for large portions of games they never win. He has them do 1-3-1 even when they are losing sometimes. Sutter is 100x better at coaching and managing players during a game.

 

[AlphaBravo]

Is it time now to start questioning our scouting staff? Everyone is raving about our great prospects, but not a single one has made any impact on this team. The vets are still carrying (good or bad) this team. Ducks have Zegras lighting it up, while we have Vilardi, Turcotte, and Kupari who have done absolutely nothing for this team. I reserve judgment on Kaliyev and Byfield, but I don't know now. What a waste of 1st round picks from the bad years. I wouldn't mind adding fresh blood to the scouting department over the summer, along with a hard ass coach like Torts.

I love the moves Blake made over the summer, but it is time for him to take a risk and make a big move. How long are we going to stockpile on prospects, most of whom may be busts?

 

[apocalypse]

Is it time now to start questioning our scouting staff? Everyone is raving about our great prospects, but not a single one has made any impact on this team. The vets are still carrying (good or bad) this team. Ducks have Zegras lighting it up, while we have Vilardi, Turcotte, and Kupari who have done absolutely nothing for this team. I reserve judgment on Kaliyev and Byfield, but I don't know now. What a waste of 1st round picks from the bad years. I wouldn't mind adding fresh blood to the scouting department over the summer, along with a hard ass coach like Torts.

I love the moves Blake made over the summer, but it is time for him to take a risk and make a big move. How long are we going to stockpile on prospects, most of whom may be busts?

The jury's still out on Byfield, Vilardi, Kupari (who is showing a lot of promise), and Kaliyev. It's no secret that LA can't develop talent. If LA doesn't make the playoffs this year I don't mind. I would like to see the Byfield line get 20 min/night. Those players need to become the future of the team. Again, Blake doesn't know how to develop talent.

 

[King'sPawn]

Is it time now to start questioning our scouting staff? Everyone is raving about our great prospects, but not a single one has made any impact on this team. The vets are still carrying (good or bad) this team. Ducks have Zegras lighting it up, while we have Vilardi, Turcotte, and Kupari who have done absolutely nothing for this team. I reserve judgment on Kaliyev and Byfield, but I don't know now. What a waste of 1st round picks from the bad years. I wouldn't mind adding fresh blood to the scouting department over the summer, along with a hard ass coach like Torts.

I love the moves Blake made over the summer, but it is time for him to take a risk and make a big move. How long are we going to stockpile on prospects, most of whom may be busts?

To me, it's either/or.

Either the scouting staff is not good at identifying talent OR the development staff is not good at cultivating talent. After all, if scouting isn't good, you can't blame development for failing to cultivate talent. If development needs work, then it doesn't matter how good the scouting is - the only success stories will be very circumstantial or "special" players.

Given that the defensemen become pretty solid, and there aren't any "reaches" (i.e. many players are respected/ranked well in various scouting communities), then I am leaning more towards the development needing work.

But I'm sure I will have the usual suspects derail the thread with arguing nonsense. So that's about the extent I'll be posting this.

 

[crassbonanza]

For all of his good defensively, Danault should absolutely not be seeing any powerplay time. There have been 167 skaters to play at least 140 minutes on the powerplay this season, Danault ranks last among them with 1.24 P/60. He has never really been good on the powerplay, so I don't know why we are continuing to try it. It would be one thing if our powerplay was clicking despite him, but they are 28th in the league, just ahead of Seattle.

 

[kilowatt]

For all of his good defensively, Danault should absolutely not be seeing any powerplay time. There have been 167 skaters to play at least 140 minutes on the powerplay this season, Danault ranks last among them with 1.24 P/60. He has never really been good on the powerplay, so I don't know why we are continuing to try it. It would be one thing if our powerplay was clicking despite him, but they are 28th in the league, just ahead of Seattle.

Durzi, Kempe, Kopitar, Kaliyev, and Vilardi should be on the top power play I think.

 

[AnThGrt]

For all of his good defensively, Danault should absolutely not be seeing any powerplay time. There have been 167 skaters to play at least 140 minutes on the powerplay this season, Danault ranks last among them with 1.24 P/60. He has never really been good on the powerplay, so I don't know why we are continuing to try it. It would be one thing if our powerplay was clicking despite him, but they are 28th in the league, just ahead of Seattle.

Him receiving PP time is the reason we were able to sign him. One of the big reasons he left MTL and joined us was we allowed and wanted him to play more offense. He wanted to not just be a one-dimensional shut-down guy. Now whether he belongs there is a different question

 

[ru4reals]

Durzi, Kempe, Kopitar, Kaliyev, and Vilardi should be on the top power play I think.

Nope still to much logic here. Not enough IaFAILlo's in this lineup. I swear I just don't f**ken see what the f**k Todd sees in Alex IaFAILlo.

 

[kilowatt]

Him receiving PP time is the reason we were able to sign him. One of the big reasons he left MTL and joined us was we allowed and wanted him to play more offense. He wanted to not just be a one-dimensional shut-down guy. Now whether he belongs there is a different question

Not only that, but he’s third in points and second in goals scored on the team. I’m not saying he’s done a ton with his power play time, but at least he’s earned it from his hard work at even strength.

 

[tws24]

Well...if we had kept winning and had some young kids contribute to that, there would be an outcry of don't fix what's not broken and we wouldn't be able to put Brown back in the lineup.

 

[kinghock]

Durzi, Kempe, Kopitar, Kaliyev, and Vilardi should be on the top power play I think.

Durzi and Kopitar should not be on the top power play in my opinion.

Spence, Kempe, Danaugh, Kaliyev, and Vilardi should be on the top power play

Durzi, Kupari, Kopitar, Moore, and Byefield should be on the second power play

 

[Herby]

To me, it's either/or.

Either the scouting staff is not good at identifying talent OR the development staff is not good at cultivating talent. After all, if scouting isn't good, you can't blame development for failing to cultivate talent. If development needs work, then it doesn't matter how good the scouting is - the only success stories will be very circumstantial or "special" players.

Given that the defensemen become pretty solid, and there aren't any "reaches" (i.e. many players are respected/ranked well in various scouting communities), then I am leaning more towards the development needing work.

But I'm sure I will have the usual suspects derail the thread with arguing nonsense. So that's about the extent I'll be posting this.

I think it’s both.

Even if Turcotte had been handled perfectly and hadn’t been pulled from school, he just was never going to be the type of difference making offensive player you are looking for from a top 5 pick, that was pretty apparent with his play in the NCAA in his D+1. The poor development decision to pull him from school and into pro hockey certainly added to the problem but the initial problem was a poor evaluation that was then compounded with other poor decisions in development and deployment.

Same thing with Gabe, even if he hadn’t been injured it’s very unlikely he is the type of NHL player that Suzuki, Norris, Thomas and Necas (the next 4 centers taken) have become. For many years DT would always draft CSB fallers, and this was a case of that. But for DT it usually didn’t work out (save Kopitar) and you can question why didn’t the Kings see some of the red flags others did (assuming skating). The decision to put Gabe in the NHL last year was a poor one, but I don’t think it was poor enough that it should have completely prevented him from being a point producer in the NHL if he had the ability to be one.

Byfield vs Stutzle is TBD but it’s also fair to say that with TS offense in this current Kings lineup we are a playoff team, that part can’t be ignored or passed over. A lot will depend on what kind of season QB has next year but this is another area where the Kings scouts passed over pure skill to go in another direction, something that has been a constant with Mark Yanetti’s scouting team over the last 15 years, regardless of who the boss was. Now in fairness to QB his development has also been poor with the wasted AHL season last year and some weird deployment this year.

So I certainly think for all these guys (Kupari rushed to AHL too) there was some poor development that has contributed to all of them as basically minimal contributors in the NHL to this point but I don’t think even perfect development would have had them be the kind of players we probably expected when we called their name.

 

[DaAnimal]

I think it’s both.

Even if Turcotte had been handled perfectly and hadn’t been pulled from school, he just was never going to be the type of difference making offensive player you are looking for from a top 5 pick, that was pretty apparent with his play in the NCAA in his D+1. The poor development decision to pull him from school and into pro hockey certainly added to the problem but the initial problem was a poor evaluation that was then compounded with other poor decisions in development and deployment.

Same thing with Gabe, even if he hadn’t been injured it’s very unlikely he is the type of NHL player that Suzuki, Norris, Thomas and Necas (the next 4 centers taken) have become. For many years DT would always draft CSB fallers, and this was a case of that. But for DT it usually didn’t work out (save Kopitar) and you can question why didn’t the Kings see some of the red flags others did (assuming skating). The decision to put Gabe in the NHL last year was a poor one, but I don’t think it was poor enough that it should have completely prevented him from being a point producer in the NHL if he had the ability to be one.

Byfield vs Stutzle is TBD but it’s also fair to say that with TS offense in this current Kings lineup we are a playoff team, that part can’t be ignored or passed over. A lot will depend on what kind of season QB has next year but this is another area where the Kings scouts passed over pure skill to go in another direction, something that has been a constant with Mark Yanetti’s scouting team over the last 15 years, regardless of who the boss was. Now in fairness to QB his development has also been poor with the wasted AHL season last year and some weird deployment this year.

So I certainly think for all these guys (Kupari rushed to AHL too) there was some poor development that has contributed to all of them as basically minimal contributors in the NHL to this point but I don’t think even perfect development would have had them be the kind of players we probably expected when we called their name.

Even this day i am surprised we passed on TS, given how much presence we have in germany. Heck he was even ready to be a King lol

 

[Faterson]

According to this, Quick is still elite (2nd among all goaltenders listed), and Petersen not too shabby either. In other words, the Kings problem isn't really the goaltending.

 

[Fat Elvis]

I know it's not going to be a popular opinion, but here it is anyway.

IMO the way Spence has played so far has made Durzi "available" in an offseason move to upgrade the many areas that need upgrading still.. DD8, Roy and Spence make for a solid RHD. Love Durzi's spirit and offensive instincts, but his defense is hurting more than his offense is helping. Maybe he acts as a 7th next season, but I'm thinking he has more value in a move than Walker returning from a big injury.

 

[bland]

I know it's not going to be a popular opinion, but here it is anyway.

IMO the way Spence has played so far has made Durzi "available" in an offseason move to upgrade the many areas that need upgrading still.. DD8, Roy and Spence make for a solid RHD. Love Durzi's spirit and offensive instincts, but his defense is hurting more than his offense is helping. Maybe he acts as a 7th next season, but I'm thinking he has more value in a move than Walker returning from a big injury.

Durzi was on the ice for three even strength goals against Minnesota, continuing a trend of dismal ES results. He just cannot play NHL level defense. He couldn't play AHL defense either.

The team will be better without him. It sucks saying that, because there are so many admirable, rare qualities there.

 

[AlphaBravo]

I think it’s both.

Even if Turcotte had been handled perfectly and hadn’t been pulled from school, he just was never going to be the type of difference making offensive player you are looking for from a top 5 pick, that was pretty apparent with his play in the NCAA in his D+1. The poor development decision to pull him from school and into pro hockey certainly added to the problem but the initial problem was a poor evaluation that was then compounded with other poor decisions in development and deployment.

Same thing with Gabe, even if he hadn’t been injured it’s very unlikely he is the type of NHL player that Suzuki, Norris, Thomas and Necas (the next 4 centers taken) have become. For many years DT would always draft CSB fallers, and this was a case of that. But for DT it usually didn’t work out (save Kopitar) and you can question why didn’t the Kings see some of the red flags others did (assuming skating). The decision to put Gabe in the NHL last year was a poor one, but I don’t think it was poor enough that it should have completely prevented him from being a point producer in the NHL if he had the ability to be one.

Byfield vs Stutzle is TBD but it’s also fair to say that with TS offense in this current Kings lineup we are a playoff team, that part can’t be ignored or passed over. A lot will depend on what kind of season QB has next year but this is another area where the Kings scouts passed over pure skill to go in another direction, something that has been a constant with Mark Yanetti’s scouting team over the last 15 years, regardless of who the boss was. Now in fairness to QB his development has also been poor with the wasted AHL season last year and some weird deployment this year.

So I certainly think for all these guys (Kupari rushed to AHL too) there was some poor development that has contributed to all of them as basically minimal contributors in the NHL to this point but I don’t think even perfect development would have had them be the kind of players we probably expected when we called their name.

What is most questionable to me about Yannetti is his emphasis on “character” and what the players said during interviews. I get these intangibles are important because you don’t want an Evander Kane type on your team, but these issues should be side notes when scouting. I don’t care about Turcotte’s character and heart of a lion if he can’t score. I would rather have someone that is dry as vanilla during interviews that can pot 20-30 goals and has skill.

 

[SFKingshomer]

Is it time now to start questioning our scouting staff? Everyone is raving about our great prospects, but not a single one has made any impact on this team. The vets are still carrying (good or bad) this team. Ducks have Zegras lighting it up, while we have Vilardi, Turcotte, and Kupari who have done absolutely nothing for this team. I reserve judgment on Kaliyev and Byfield, but I don't know now. What a waste of 1st round picks from the bad years. I wouldn't mind adding fresh blood to the scouting department over the summer, along with a hard ass coach like Torts.

I love the moves Blake made over the summer, but it is time for him to take a risk and make a big move. How long are we going to stockpile on prospects, most of whom may be busts?

Scouting staff is fine, the development and deployment of the forward prospects has been questionable at best. I also don't think Stutzle or Zegras would be making a lick of difference over the guys drafted because they wouldn't be put in the position to succeed. Both would be asked to learn the defensive side 1st...we have seen it for years.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

Durzi was on the ice for three even strength goals against Minnesota, continuing a trend of dismal ES results. He just cannot play NHL level defense. He couldn't play AHL defense either.

The team will be better without him. It sucks saying that, because there are so many admirable, rare qualities there.

Yet, what could you get for him, because if we see these faults, I guarantee you, other teams do as well.

 

[funky]

I want to see Kupari moved into Iafalllo’s spot. He has really improved his game, is a big bodied player that skates with pace, and can finish. I know he’s not a true first line player but at this point he might be one of our better options.

Our third line isn’t bringing us a whole Lotta points as it is. Just have Alex go down and be a park hound and let the two talented big boys on the line get some shots off.

Put our fourth line back together and give the boys a couple games to shake off the cobwebs. Two of them are just coming back from injuries and hopefully a game off wakes up Kaliyev as he did make some blatant errors lately. I love the kid and it doesn’t bother me having them sit every once in a while. No sitting a guy during a playoff hunt not have been the best time but let’s see how he responds .

As for the second line, don’t touch what’s not broke. Let them play.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I want to see Kupari moved into Iafalllo’s spot. He has really improved his game, is a big bodied player that skates with pace, and can finish. I know he’s not a true first line player but at this point he might be one of our better options.

Our third line isn’t bringing us a whole Lotta points as it is. Just have Alex go down and be a park hound and let the two talented big boys on the line get some shots off.

Put our fourth line back together and give the boys a couple games to shake off the cobwebs. Two of them are just coming back from injuries and hopefully a game off wakes up Kaliyev as he did make some blatant errors lately. I love the kid and it doesn’t bother me having them sit every once in a while. No sitting a guy during a playoff hunt not have been the best time but let’s see how he responds .

As for the second line, don’t touch what’s not broke. Let them play.

IF Iafallo ain't doing it on the 3rd line, he sure as shit ain't gonna be doing it on the 3rd line,

At this point, Grundstrom is a better option.

 

[Herby]

Scouting staff is fine, the development and deployment of the forward prospects has been questionable at best. I also don't think Stutzle or Zegras would be making a lick of difference over the guys drafted because they wouldn't be put in the position to succeed. Both would be asked to learn the defensive side 1st...we have seen it for years.

Zegras (40) and Stutzle (23) have contributed significantly more at ES than Byfield (7). I think even if neither had played a second on the PP they would have given our invisible third line enough offensive production where we would have atleast been a lock to make the playoffs. The Kings have played the most 1 goal games in the league, a few extra goals here or there is worth a few big points in the standings right now, to me making or missing the playoffs is more than a lick of difference.

Lets see how QB looks next year before we really start to heavily question the evaluation, with 2019 and 2017 though, it's tough to not be critical of our scouts who have had a history of poorly evaluating scoring forwards for the selections we made. I am hoping if anything the bringing in of Bergivon is to help the Kings evaluate younger forwards maybe a bit better than our guys have done. Look at who Montreal got in 2017 and 2019 vs who the Kings got, and with later picks.

 

[Docgonzo]

I would say I don’t get why Todd can’t see Bjornfot/Durzi doesn’t work and break up that pairing but then again Sutter separated Muzzin from Doughty and kept the horrible Muzzin/Martinez pairing together.

So I guess what I’m saying is I don’t get NHL coaching sometimes.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Now with Clarke's apparent severe leg/knee injury, every top pick we've had since 2017 has had a major injury, too. What the f*** are the odds? This franchise is cursed.