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

[FSL KINGS]

Mikey, Doughty
Edler, Roy
Björnfot, Clarke

Suspect Edler on a cheap contract or upgrade at the LD.

Björnfot & Durzi fill different needs. Durzi isn't competing with Björn. He is fighting for a spot with Roy, Walker, Spence, Clarke.

Next year Durzi probably splits 3rd pair with Clarke. Don't see where Durzi's spot long term with the King's is.

 

[KingsFan7824]

Lightning are likely going to lose Palat to FA due their cap crunch, and will have to sign Sergachev, Cernak, Cirelli, Foote, and Colton as pending RFAs next season. I'm thinking we offer something like this:

'22 1st + '22 2nd + Fagemo + Faber for Sergachev + Colton

I'd be willing to swap in any prospects not named Byfield (though if it's Clarke it would be just him as the lone prospect). I think Sergachev and Colton would add skill, grit, and a winning pedigree to our top pair and top six/nine that we'll need to take the next step.

If TB made those guys available, you have to give up something you don't want to. Every team capable would throw an offer in for Sergachev. Plus you're throwing Colton in there. Fagemo and Faber? TB is still trying to win next year.

And Sergachev is the last guy they're trading. They'll exhaust every option before him.

 

[kinghock]

I understand the benefits of a defenseman playing their natural side. That has nothing to do with where goals come from. Should Bjornfot play over Durzi because of he’s left handed?

The coaches chose Durzi on the right side, probably because he’s better than Bjornfot. Both players have flaws, but Bjornfot has more. So next year, why take a step back when Durzi’s flaws are more easily overcome and his production eclipses Bjornfot.

Throw in Bjornfot’s waiver eligibility and it’s a no brainer who should have a job out of camp. Frankly, Bjornfot needs to focus on beating out Spence, which is a sign that he isn’t close to his draft prediction in the face of real world competition.

It is only in your view Bjornfot has more flaws comparing to Durzi
And I believe it is only in your imagination Durzi’s flaws are more easily overcome comparing to Bjornfot.

Why would Durzi be forced to his offside? He’s the better player than Bjornfot categorically. If you had to have one or the other in a given lineup, would you still pick Bjornfot. My original post focused on talent, not defenseman handedness, which is a navel gazing subject.

Your original post focused on your evaluation of talent, which is not necessarily correct one.

 

[King'sPawn]

Why would Durzi be forced to his offside? He’s the better player than Bjornfot categorically. If you had to have one or the other in a given lineup, would you still pick Bjornfot. My original post focused on talent, not defenseman handedness, which is a navel gazing subject.

The x-factor in Durzi's favor is actually his emotional engagement.

I'd need to see Durzi in a reduced role at the NHL level. But right now, Bjornfot is the age Durzi was when the Kings acquired him.

They are two completely different players, though. I prefer the reliability and maturity of Bjornfot's game, even if his offense is lacking. That's not to say Durzi sucks, but he's not the stabilizing presence on a roster.

 

[Steve Zissou]

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

That's pretty shocking. Didn't know he was seen so well around the league.

 

[Fishhead]

Overall I don't think Durzi is better than Bjornfot, he's just different. I'd rather have Bjornfot out there next year to be honest, he's was really steady and solid prior to his injury. Durzi was surprisingly good and was obviously a better choice at the end of the season, but that's not necessarily what next season will be like.

Long-term it's not even a question for me, Bjornfot will be a prime 2nd pairing guy once he gains experience. Let's not forget he's only been old enough to drink for a couple of months.

 

[Rick Knickleback]

That's pretty shocking. Didn't know he was seen so well around the league.

Oh, I think it's clear that he's one of most respected players in the league and has been for some time. On the ice, off it, in the locker room, community etc. The fact that he's basically the lone flag-carrier for Slovenia might be a part of it. Imagine what a responsibility that is. This paragraph from a recent story in the Athletic, from an anonymous Pacific Division assistant, caught my eye during the series against EDM:

Of course, probably worth noting also that receiving this award, judging from the past annual winners, further codifies the fact that we're in the last, less effective, stage of Anze's career.

 

[KingsHockey24]

That's pretty shocking. Didn't know he was seen so well around the league.

You ever see that Josh Manson clip of him and Kopi?

 

[kilowatt]

You ever see that Josh Manson clip of him and Kopi?

Sorry for the TikTok, all I could find, but yeah, pretty funny.

 

[kingsfan28]

Didn't even know Kopitar was up for that award. Congrats.
I think Brown won it one time too.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Beggars can’t be choosers. So for all of Durzi’s flaws he’s the only defenseman who has a shot of cracking 10g besides Doughty. And because Doughty is good for about 15g at an $11M cap hit, you need more goals from the rest of the D on cheap contracts if you are trying to be competitive.

Roy, Bjornfot and Anderson are black holes offensively. Walker was supposed to be the guy to fill in the offense from the backend, but his minutes have been played by Maata because of health.

I think it’s dumb to choose between Durzi and Spence. Both have done more with less opportunity than Anderson or Bjornfot. Defensive defenseman are overrated by the Kings fans. It’s time to put real expectations on the kid D to score goals and not just the forwards.

As evidenced by the Kings turn around, nailed it. This is how the NHL has evolved.

 

[Statto]

Overall I don't think Durzi is better than Bjornfot, he's just different. I'd rather have Bjornfot out there next year to be honest, he's was really steady and solid prior to his injury. Durzi was surprisingly good and was obviously a better choice at the end of the season, but that's not necessarily what next season will be like.

Long-term it's not even a question for me, Bjornfot will be a prime 2nd pairing guy once he gains experience. Let's not forget he's only been old enough to drink for a couple of months.

He’s from Sweden, so like us Brits he’s hardcore and we start drinking at 18 .

They are two different players filling different roles but long term Bjornföt is likely to be better at his role. He is also a good candidate for the guy with the unidentified shoulder injury last season given the late season drop off in his game - either that or the number of games/minutes caught up with him.

Your point is right though many people forget how young he is. There is a huge amount of upside in his game and a long time for him to reach his ceiling. Whilst he likely ends up a #3 he could end up a genuine #2 guy, he’s that good. When we drafted him I was certain he’d be an NHL regular by the time he was 20 so I’m not changing my expectations now.

As I’ve said before that’s not to crap on Durzi because he will a good bottom pairing pp specialist and is what a lot of people though Clague could be. I never saw that in Clague, not for a second, but Durzi looks the part. The problem I have with Durzi is that there are guys ahead of him in the depth chart. If the best thing for Spence’s development is the AHL then fine, otherwise he should get the spot. If the view becomes that Durzi has to play over him because of a lack of character on the roster we have much bigger issues than who plays on the bottom pair.

We have some character in Ontario but there’s no guarantee that the come through (Turcotte, Thomas) so if they feel there’s a characte/grit issue as a whole (which there is) they need to make sure that’s addressed by any moves they make in the off season. If they do that then any specific battles over roster spots should be addressed based on ability and long term expectations - as they should be. A better player should never have to be sent down because the other guy is prepared to drop the gloves and mostly lose fights. If you are in that position there are bigger issues in the roster makeup.

 

[Statto]

Sorry for the TikTok, all I could find, but yeah, pretty funny.

That says a huge amount about how he is regarded around the league. We have absolutely no idea how good or bad a leader the guys is but I’m betting he’s pretty good at it. His playing style and relaxed press conferences don’t indicate how good a leader he is as some think,

 

[BringTheReign]

If TB made those guys available, you have to give up something you don't want to. Every team capable would throw an offer in for Sergachev. Plus you're throwing Colton in there. Fagemo and Faber? TB is still trying to win next year.

And Sergachev is the last guy they're trading. They'll exhaust every option before him.

That’s fine, as I said in my original post I’d give up anyone not named Byfield for that package. My point is that at a certain time Tampa will be locked into their aging core, and won’t be able to keep re-signing younger talent coming off ELCs. There are only so many $6-9M cap hits on a single team in a cap world, so without trading someone like McDonagh (believe he has trade protection) or Point (#1C so unlikely) it’ll be difficult to re-sign guys like Cirelli and Sergachev who will be expecting $7M/year given their play, experience, and production.

They have traded tons of picks away, so the 1st and 2nd helps kickstart their prospect pool again (or gives them more trade ammo). Fagemo and Faber then could step right into their lineup where they lost Palat/Colton and Sergachev on cheap deals that they need.

 

[BringTheReign]

Sorry for the TikTok, all I could find, but yeah, pretty funny.

Man, I need to get access to TNT. It seems like their coverage is blowing ESPN’s out of the water.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

He’s from Sweden, so like us Brits he’s hardcore and we start drinking at 18 .

They are two different players filling different roles but long term Bjornföt is likely to be better at his role. He is also a good candidate for the guy with the unidentified shoulder injury last season given the late season drop off in his game - either that or the number of games/minutes caught up with him.

Your point is right though many people forget how young he is. There is a huge amount of upside in his game and a long time for him to reach his ceiling. Whilst he likely ends up a #3 he could end up a genuine #2 guy, he’s that good. When we drafted him I was certain he’d be an NHL regular by the time he was 20 so I’m not changing my expectations now.

As I’ve said before that’s not to crap on Durzi because he will a good bottom pairing pp specialist and is what a lot of people though Clague could be. I never saw that in Clague, not for a second, but Durzi looks the part. The problem I have with Durzi is that there are guys ahead of him in the depth chart. If the best thing for Spence’s development is the AHL then fine, otherwise he should get the spot. If the view becomes that Durzi has to play over him because of a lack of character on the roster we have much bigger issues than who plays on the bottom pair.

We have some character in Ontario but there’s no guarantee that the come through (Turcotte, Thomas) so if they feel there’s a characte/grit issue as a whole (which there is) they need to make sure that’s addressed by any moves they make in the off season. If they do that then any specific battles over roster spots should be addressed based on ability and long term expectations - as they should be. A better player should never have to be sent down because the other guy is prepared to drop the gloves and mostly lose fights. If you are in that position there are bigger issues in the roster makeup.

My thoughts on Spence vs. Durzi are that Spence is absolutely the better player now and in future BUT he's also waiver exempt AND should be preparing for a massive role, ie long term top pairing like Spurgeon. Playing 6-7D in LA isn't great for that, hence why I'd rather have him as Ontarios all situations big minutes 1D for the year while the big club sorts out the guys like Durzi. Durzi can grow but he largely is what he is, which is an offensive specialist that's ideally 3rd pairing but can play 2nd and he's ready for that role now.

I mean I think I've made it pretty clear that I'm not a huge 'overbake them in the AHL' guy but we also want him to dress rehearse for the role he's gonna play, not just get by just because he can, we have that luxury at this point. It's also what I would have wanted for Byfield had I known they were just gonna Jordan Weal him all year.

As for character I think that's a different discussion it's just a nice perk of Durzi and I dunno, I saw some guys really emerge in the postseason, Anderson REALLY leaned into his Willie Mitchell-ness and of course Durzi needed a wheelbarrow for his nutsack, dude was made for the bigtime. Spence was pretty unflappable even despite his feeble attempts to contain Draisaitl. Kaliyev was arguably the best forward-to-time player we had. Moore-Danault showed they can lead this wave while Anze starts to fade. Kupari started showing some Trevor Lewis checking chops. And of course this was all without Drew Doughty who you know is absolutely going bonkers this summer waiting to play again for the first time in his career (crazy).

Man, I need to get access to TNT. It seems like their coverage is blowing ESPN’s out of the water.

It really is, best hockey coverage since the heights of ESPN's 'crew.' They said they were modeling it a bit after their NBA coverage (Barkley et. al) and it shows--expert takes but also loads of personality. Ive seen more color from Wayne Gretzky in the last month than in the last 30 years.

 

[GameNight]

He’s from Sweden, so like us Brits he’s hardcore and we start drinking at 18 .

They are two different players filling different roles but long term Bjornföt is likely to be better at his role. He is also a good candidate for the guy with the unidentified shoulder injury last season given the late season drop off in his game - either that or the number of games/minutes caught up with him.

Your point is right though many people forget how young he is. There is a huge amount of upside in his game and a long time for him to reach his ceiling. Whilst he likely ends up a #3 he could end up a genuine #2 guy, he’s that good. When we drafted him I was certain he’d be an NHL regular by the time he was 20 so I’m not changing my expectations now.

As I’ve said before that’s not to crap on Durzi because he will a good bottom pairing pp specialist and is what a lot of people though Clague could be. I never saw that in Clague, not for a second, but Durzi looks the part. The problem I have with Durzi is that there are guys ahead of him in the depth chart. If the best thing for Spence’s development is the AHL then fine, otherwise he should get the spot. If the view becomes that Durzi has to play over him because of a lack of character on the roster we have much bigger issues than who plays on the bottom pair.

We have some character in Ontario but there’s no guarantee that the come through (Turcotte, Thomas) so if they feel there’s a characte/grit issue as a whole (which there is) they need to make sure that’s addressed by any moves they make in the off season. If they do that then any specific battles over roster spots should be addressed based on ability and long term expectations - as they should be. A better player should never have to be sent down because the other guy is prepared to drop the gloves and mostly lose fights. If you are in that position there are bigger issues in the roster makeup.

a few are missing your points up here when looking at the D. The choices aren't Durzi over Bjornfot, Durzi over Clarke, or Durzi over Spence, Spence over Bjornfot, Spence over Clarke.

Durzi for all his strengths and weaknesses is perfect for a bottom pair and as a pp specialist.

Walker's situation and his contract is right in-line for a #7 who can step in now and then, but not as an injury replacement. It's Modry's old, old job.

The choices are really:
Spence over Roy? Can the Kings jump the gun by a season and move Roy now or at the next deadline? Presumably, Roy would be paired with Bjornfot to help continue his development. So How does a Bjornfot/Spence pair look? Maybe not so good.

Clarke over Doughty? Now's not the time for that, but it's coming up. Maybe the wrist rehab or wrist mobility further down the line could hasten that decision?

 

[KingsFan7824]

That’s fine, as I said in my original post I’d give up anyone not named Byfield for that package. My point is that at a certain time Tampa will be locked into their aging core, and won’t be able to keep re-signing younger talent coming off ELCs. There are only so many $6-9M cap hits on a single team in a cap world, so without trading someone like McDonagh (believe he has trade protection) or Point (#1C so unlikely) it’ll be difficult to re-sign guys like Cirelli and Sergachev who will be expecting $7M/year given their play, experience, and production.

They have traded tons of picks away, so the 1st and 2nd helps kickstart their prospect pool again (or gives them more trade ammo). Fagemo and Faber then could step right into their lineup where they lost Palat/Colton and Sergachev on cheap deals that they need.

Faber can step right into a potential dynasty championship roster? He's 4 years younger, and hasn't even signed an ELC yet. Why would I trade him for someone that will cost well north of $5m, maybe $6m?

 

[BringTheReign]

Faber can step right into a potential dynasty championship roster? He's 4 years younger, and hasn't even signed an ELC yet. Why would I trade him for someone that will cost well north of $5m, maybe $6m?

On a second or bottom pair straight out of two or three years of college? Yeah, I bet he could, especially insulated by one of Hedman, McDonagh, or Cernak. Anderson did the same thing for us, and Faber has a higher projection.

And you do the trade because it’s turning an overabundance of assets into proven, younger players entering their prime who can excel in larger roles in our lineup. I view this as a premium version of the Greene and Stoll trade.

 

[KingsFan7824]

On a second or bottom pair straight out of two or three years of college? Yeah, I bet he could, especially insulated by one of Hedman, McDonagh, or Cernak. Anderson did the same thing for us, and Faber has a higher projection.

And you do the trade because it’s turning an overabundance of assets into proven, younger players entering their prime who can excel in larger roles in our lineup. I view this as a premium version of the Greene and Stoll trade.

That's more of a problem TB has for after next year though, right? That's when Cirelli, Colton, Sergachev, and Cernak are RFAs. They put Seabrook on LTIR, and they have just under $5m of free space for next year. They can't add anyone of significance without sending money out, but another couple $1m vets to fill out the roster, and they're good to go as is.

Unless I'm not looking at their cap correctly.

Maybe if they get swept by the Rangers and then feel like now is the time to get ahead of our future RFA problem and potentially get more value, but they still have some time.

 

[BringTheReign]

That's more of a problem TB has for after next year though, right? That's when Cirelli, Colton, Sergachev, and Cernak are RFAs. They put Seabrook on LTIR, and they have just under $5m of free space for next year. They can't add anyone of significance without sending money out, but another couple $1m vets to fill out the roster, and they're good to go as is.

Unless I'm not looking at their cap correctly.

Maybe if they get swept by the Rangers and then feel like now is the time to get ahead of our future RFA problem and potentially get more value, but they still have some time.

I agree that they still have time, and Brisebois is an excellent GM who might just figure this all out. I am just thinking if they want to get a head start on restocking the pipeline while bringing in near-NHL ready talent. I think they have a shot to be like Boston or Pittsburgh where they have a long streak of making the playoffs even after their Cup runs end, but they'll need middle six and top four lottery ticket players like Fagemo and Faber on cheap deals to do so.

Perhaps they just keep churning out 3rd - 7th round picks who turn into those players for free, but generally even the best development teams run out of rope at some point. I think they've planted their flag with this current core, so it wouldn't surprise me to see them retool on the fly when those RFAs price themselves out of Tampa. It's similar to what they did by trading JT Miller to Vancouver, IMO.

 

[BringTheReign]

I'll also add that another player I'd LOVE to grab would be Necas. I'd guess he'll be shipped out either to nab a proven sniper like Fiala or to bolster the backend if Deangelo's next deal is too rich. However, I think his down year is not representative of his potential.

 

[FSL KINGS]

a few are missing your points up here when looking at the D. The choices aren't Durzi over Bjornfot, Durzi over Clarke, or Durzi over Spence, Spence over Bjornfot, Spence over Clarke.

Durzi for all his strengths and weaknesses is perfect for a bottom pair and as a pp specialist.

Walker's situation and his contract is right in-line for a #7 who can step in now and then, but not as an injury replacement. It's Modry's old, old job.

The choices are really:
Spence over Roy? Can the Kings jump the gun by a season and move Roy now or at the next deadline? Presumably, Roy would be paired with Bjornfot to help continue his development. So How does a Bjornfot/Spence pair look? Maybe not so good.

Clarke over Doughty? Now's not the time for that, but it's coming up. Maybe the wrist rehab or wrist mobility further down the line could hasten that decision?

Roy: UFA in 2 more seasons. What are Blake's long term plans? If the goal isn't to make a real push for a couple of years, maybe they move Roy. There will be teams interested & likely a good return. Moving Roy doesn't make the team better in the short term.

I'll also add that another player I'd LOVE to grab would be Necas. I'd guess he'll be shipped out either to nab a proven sniper like Fiala or to bolster the backend if Deangelo's next deal is too rich. However, I think his down year is not representative of his potential.

Extra cap issues for the Hurricanes.

 

[kilowatt]

Roy: UFA in 2 more seasons. What are Blake's long term plans? If the goal isn't to make a real push for a couple of years, maybe they move Roy. There will be teams interested & likely a good return. Moving Roy doesn't make the team better in the short term.

I think the goal is to make a push right now, no? We're just about to start competing again. Hell we already did this season, if a little on accident.