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

[King'sPawn]

I'm looking for Turcotte's playoff stats and highlights...can't find them. Link?

Over a point-per-game as the No 1 center for Team USA in the WJC last year, including the Gold Medal-winning goal.

But I decided to compare Turcotte's playoff stats and highlights with Dustin Browns playoff stats and highlights the past four seasons. Can't find them. Link?

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Over a point-per-game as the No 1 center for Team USA in the WJC last year, including the Gold Medal-winning goal.

But I decided to compare Turcotte's playoff stats and highlights with Dustin Browns playoff stats and highlights the past four seasons. Can't find them. Link?

In the last 7 years Brown has 2 points in the playoffs.

I mean, since we're doing the dishonest narrative thing.

The last time Brown had more than 1 point in the playoffs, Turcotte had just turned 13.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Over a point-per-game as the No 1 center for Team USA in the WJC last year, including the Gold Medal-winning goal.

But I decided to compare Turcotte's playoff stats and highlights with Dustin Browns playoff stats and highlights the past four seasons. Can't find them. Link?

You'll find that in the same place they are keeping the stats for every other Kings player that's been here the last 4 years, I guess Turcotte can replace any one of those guys.

 

[Herby]

Why wouldn't you want to put a player you have an investment in, known as a huge big game player who thrives in the style of game seen in the playoffs into a position to grow and succeed?

This is not a contender. There is nothing that this organization can do this year that is more valuable than getting their best assets closer to contributing. Adding another veteran forward to the bottom six is just adding sandbags to what needs to be done.

Because he isn't ready to play the role that is expected of that line for a team trying to win this season. It is in need of a right winger than can chip in some offense as most of the potential defensive heavy work in playoff series will be done with the Danault and Kopitar lines. In a potential playoff series that line will see lots of favorable offensive opportunities and playing guys like Kupari or Turcotte (on his off wing) does not address the issues. The Kings are (whether you and I agree or not) trying to win this season, and in order to win in a playoff series they are going to need that line to contribute. Now I am not saying Brown is the answer either, I'd prefer a trade or Vilardi getting a shot but it's not Alex Turcotte either. Also, we don't know if any of our prospects are big game players, sorry, we can't conclude it based on a couple of games in an international tournament. Brown has a history of being a big game player for this team, is he capable of that now? Probably not but coaches always lean on veterans.

I also don't necessarily agree the Kings are dead in a playoff series. Maybe in the old conference set-up, but in the divisional playoff we have a chance to beat anyone in our division.

 

[King'sPawn]

You'll find that in the same place they are keeping the stats for every other Kings player that's been here the last 4 years, I guess Turcotte can replace any one of those guys.

No, you're right. The Kings should trade Byfield and Turcotte for fourth liners with playoff experience, because the vets have highlights and stats in the NHL playoffs. What have these useless rookies done?

 

[Schmooley]

I also don't necessarily agree the Kings are dead in a playoff series. Maybe in the old conference set-up, but in the divisional playoff we have a chance to beat anyone in our division.

I think they can beat anyone in the west besides Colorado but a lot of things would have to go right.
Quick/Petersen will have to be top notch.
They have to up their physical play as a team.
Some guys have to step up and be goal scorers at the most unassuming time. I can see Grundstrom, Lias Andersson, Matt Roy, and Kaliyev coming out with big performances in the playoffs randomly.

 

[kilowatt]

I think they can beat anyone in the west besides Colorado but a lot of things would have to go right.
Quick/Petersen will have to be top notch.
They have to up their physical play as a team.
Some guys have to step up and be goal scorers at the most unassuming time. I can see Grundstrom, Lias Andersson, Matt Roy, and Kaliyev coming out with big performances in the playoffs randomly.

I don't really see Grundstrom or Andersson playing any playoff minutes. They just aren't that good.

 

[cyclones22]

I think they can beat anyone in the west besides Colorado but a lot of things would have to go right.
Quick/Petersen will have to be top notch.
They have to up their physical play as a team.
Some guys have to step up and be goal scorers at the most unassuming time. I can see Grundstrom, Lias Andersson, Matt Roy, and Kaliyev coming out with big performances in the playoffs randomly.

You forgot "and never commit a penalty".

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

No, you're right. The Kings should trade Byfield and Turcotte for fourth liners with playoff experience, because the vets have highlights and stats in the NHL playoffs. What have these useless rookies done?

I'm not saying that all...but I'm also not the one claiming that Turcotte would just tear it up in the playoffs even though he's proven nothing at the NHL level (yet).

 

[Docgonzo]

I like Turcotte but I don’t think he’s physically ready for nhl playoffs yet.

Big jump from WJC to AHL to nhl playoffs.

 

[Schmooley]

I don't really see Grundstrom or Andersson playing any playoff minutes. They just aren't that good.

Injuries and covid may force some unexpected players in the lineup.
Thats what I mean though. If the Kings wanna win a round theyll need guys that havent shown much to find another gear.

 

[Trash Panda]

I'm not saying that all...but I'm also not the one claiming that Turcotte would just tear it up in the playoffs even though he's proven nothing at the NHL level (yet).

Not a single person ever claimed that Turcotte was going to “tear up” anything.

The (correct) claim was made that his game was well suited for playoff hockey, especially when compared to the player that Dustin Brown is today.

That’s it. Nobody said a word about points, production, place, or purpose. Just that his game was well suited for playoff hockey.

 

[YP44]

You forgot "and never commit a penalty".

this can be done in the playoffs

 

[King'sPawn]

I'm not saying that all...but I'm also not the one claiming that Turcotte would just tear it up in the playoffs even though he's proven nothing at the NHL level (yet).

Okay. Point to where anyone said Turcotte would tear it up in the playoffs.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Not a single person ever claimed that Turcotte was going to “tear up” anything.

The (correct) claim was made that his game was well suited for playoff hockey, especially when compared to the player that Dustin Brown is today.

That’s it. Nobody said a word about points, production, place, or purpose. Just that his game was well suited for playoff hockey.

Did I mention points either? You guys are predicting Turcotte would be a force in the playoffs because of his style of play -- meanwhile he's proven dick at the NHL level. It's like the Twilight Zone around here.

 

[King'sPawn]

Did I mention points either? You guys are predicting Turcotte would be a force in the playoffs because of his style of play -- meanwhile he's proven dick at the NHL level. It's like the Twilight Zone around here.

You mentioned stats. Don't pretend that's not what you were alluding to.

I'm looking for Turcotte's playoff stats and highlights...can't find them. Link?

 

[Herby]

The Kings are very unlikely to re-sign AA next season, and then that is Turcotte's role for probably the next decade (assuming he isn't traded). Hopefully similar offensive production to AA but with a more well rounded and edgier game makes him an excellent role player for the Kings starting next season. His overall development is better suited having a playoff run with the Reign either playing LW or C and continuing to develop his offensive game than it is playing his off wing in the NHL playoffs . I don't know why everyone is in such a rush to have this guy move up levels he isn't ready for, there were unfortunate long-term effects the last time that happened, let him develop at a pace that will make him most valuable to the Kings for the long haul.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I think they can beat anyone in the west besides Colorado but a lot of things would have to go right.
Quick/Petersen will have to be top notch.
They have to up their physical play as a team.
Some guys have to step up and be goal scorers at the most unassuming time. I can see Grundstrom, Lias Andersson, Matt Roy, and Kaliyev coming out with big performances in the playoffs randomly.

Yeah I definitely don't think we're a true contender but I'd file this team under "large f***ing annoyance."

I think the thing to hang our hat on would be that they shouldn't be a totally easy out, we might not turn teams black and blue like we used to, but 4-7 games of Lizotte on your ass and Danault/Kopitar/Doughty/Quick means some tight games.

 

[driller1]

I don't think it's necessarily a Turcotte vs Brown in the playoffs debate. I think roster construction is a big part of the overall decision as well.

Our D (even with Edler) is undersized.

There is no way we pull Arvy, Moore, or Lizotte out of the lineup because they've earned their spots.

Adding another 180 lb flyweight to the mix doesn't exactly scream "Playoff hockey baby!!!".

Things would be different if we had Regehr, Dwight King, Muzzin, Stoll taking the ice. Then you'd want to balance out the size/sluggishness/ toughness with a guy who can scoot around the ice and forecheck the heck out of the opposition.

However, we don't have that. But we do have jitterbugs coming out our ears. It's a fast team, but I can't imagine a playoff team with Kopitar, Kempe, and the 7 dwarfs being successful in the playoffs.

 

[RaymondReddington]

Quite a bit of Kings content in this week’s column.

From Friedman: Blake likes Dustin Brown with Byfield “for security”

I have spent 15 minutes trying to parse what Blake means by “security.”
Not sure.

(no Brown “hate” here…seriously cannot figure it out)

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

From Friedman: Blake likes Dustin Brown with Byfield “for security”

I have spent 15 minutes trying to parse what Blake means by “security.”
Not sure.

(no Brown “hate” here…seriously cannot figure it out)

"good ol boy veteran" pretty much

I actually don't even really have a problem with Byfield/Brown, it is what it is. Just give them a competent complement!

 

[YP44]

"good ol boy veteran" pretty much

I actually don't even really have a problem with Byfield/Brown, it is what it is. Just give them a competent complement!

I would like to Iafallo there. Iafallo and Brown already have some chemistry.

 

[Trash Panda]

I don't think it's necessarily a Turcotte vs Brown in the playoffs debate. I think roster construction is a big part of the overall decision as well.

Our D (even with Edler) is undersized.

There is no way we pull Arvy, Moore, or Lizotte out of the lineup because they've earned their spots.

Adding another 180 lb flyweight to the mix doesn't exactly scream "Playoff hockey baby!!!".

Things would be different if we had Regehr, Dwight King, Muzzin, Stoll taking the ice. Then you'd want to balance out the size/sluggishness/ toughness with a guy who can scoot around the ice and forecheck the heck out of the opposition.

However, we don't have that. But we do have jitterbugs coming out our ears. It's a fast team, but I can't imagine a playoff team with Kopitar, Kempe, and the 7 dwarfs being successful in the playoffs.

I’ve said this a few times before I’m sure, but it’s something I’m comfortable reiterating:

Players like Mike Richards have been hurting a lot of feelings at 180ish pounds for a long damn time.

Fight in the dog, not dog in the fight.

 

[King'sPawn]

"good ol boy veteran" pretty much

I actually don't even really have a problem with Byfield/Brown, it is what it is. Just give them a competent complement!

As far as a mental/emotional security space, I absolutely agree. Brown basically came in from the OHL as a freshly-turned 19-year-old and was brought in.

I just don't think he's a compatible on-ice player. I've said it numerous times - there are quality vets and journeymen where the "wealth" could be spread. Why not have a compatible on-ice mentor?

 

[driller1]

I’ve said this a few times before I’m sure, but it’s something I’m comfortable reiterating:

Players like Mike Richards have been hurting a lot of feelings at 180ish pounds for a long damn time.

Fight in the dog, not dog in the fight.

Those Kings teams (and even the Philly teams) he played on had identities as being tough. Guys I mentioned previously added to that identity.

Yes, Mike Richards was a tough SOB, but he also burned out at a really, really young age. Imagine if he was the lone dog at 180 lbs that was forced to carry the mantle of tough guy for the entire team. I don't think that will end well.

 

[Herby]

"good ol boy veteran" pretty much

I actually don't even really have a problem with Byfield/Brown, it is what it is. Just give them a competent complement!

For what the Kings are currently looking for, they do.

That line is going to be expected to produce some offense since both Kopitar and Danault are going to be handing the other teams top lines in a potential playoff series. They can do a lot worse than having an elite talent like QB between two 40 point veterans on a "third line"

Sure, they could have Kaliyev up there instead of AA or Brown, but I don't think they want to count on two rookies being able to produce offensively (same reason Turcotte won't be considered). And Kaliyev adds a skill level to Lemieux and Lizotte that has made the line so valuable.

Now maybe that all changes and the Kings acquire Joe Pavelski or Claude Giroux for a rental and Arvidsson or Moore slide down to that line (or the guy traded for slots in there), but until that happens this is probably the best combination of players they can trot out there without messing with the other lines, which have all played excellent.

There will be a time for Turcotte and Fagemo, it just isn't going to be in this years (hopefully) playoff run.