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

[cyclones22]

I think Byfield needs a puck carrying winger like Kempe at this stage in his career.

I agree. But I'll settle for linemates who have been old enough to drink for a few years and not washed up or on the way out. Bottom line is our top prospect should not be playing with our worst roster players or 2 other rookies like last season.

 

[funky]

I think Byfield needs a puck carrying winger like Kempe at this stage in his career.

Fiala is awesome at rushing the puck as well.

 

[funky]

I really hope this year we can go with a true top nine. Each line plays a base of about 16 minutes. No true number one line but three separate lines that can be thrown out for certain occasions.

Kempe - Kopitar - Kaliyev
- start the game against other teams top lines, take a lot of defensive zone face offs but also can be relied on late in games to protect leads or try and even things up if loosing.

Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
- start the game against other teams top lines, take a lot of defensive zone face offs but also can be relied on late in games to protect leads.

Iafallo- Byfield- Fiala
- these players get a cushier assignment. They usually get offensive zone starts. Line up against the the other teams non checkers Put out to basically get points.

My big dilemma is if we switch around Iafallo and Kaliyev. I like Iafallo on Byfield’s line as he does provide the defensive presence that line may lack. I also truly don’t care what line anyone plays on as they will all be get an even Icetime with the special teams earning them more.


4th line does mop up duties. We have the ability to build an energy line with the lakes of Lemieux, Lizotte, and Grundstrum or if muscle isn’t needed throw in Vilardi or Kupari. There will be injuries and there will be guys that may have to rest so people will get their games.



POWER PLAY

I also hope we put two PP units in the ice evenly. If Kopitar’s line gets to start the first power play of the game then Byfield’s line gets the second power play. If the unit doesn’t seem to be gelling that game lean heavily on the other unit. Two totally different looks.

PP- Kempe, Kopitar, Kaliyev, Arvidsson, Doughty

PP- Byfield, Fiala, Grundstrum Durzi, (Vilardi,Kupari, Danault, Moore)

If Vilardi or Kupari are playing in the lineup then get them on the power play in positions they can excel at. It might give them a couple more minutes a game and those boys do know how to score and move the puck. If we went with an all energy regular line up we can always throw a Danault or Moore out there so they get some PP time in their place I don’t really care how the line mixtures go, I just don’t like seeing one power play getting a minute 35 time at the start of the power plate each and every time and the other one coming out to do mop up duty and looking four times more refreshed and dangerous.


PENALTY KILL

This is another place we see Kopitar get more rest. We brought in a specialist last year in Danault who can do a wonderful job as penalty kill number one Center, also given him a few more minutes a game. Why not use Moore with him as they have great chemistry and more is great at getting short had a chances.

PK1 - Moore, Danault
PK2 - Lizotte, Grundstrum
PK3 - Kopitar, Kempe - mop up duties

My thoughts are if Lizotte cannot handle the penalty kill, then it’s time to find a new fourth line center. We are paying the guy 1.7 million a year. He should be able to do more than just playing a fortj line role. I like the kid and think he can handle it but I’m saying that first line center should be able to help run the penalty kill him.

 

[Schrute farms]

As much as i like the idea of pairing Fiala with QB, there is no way they put their newly signed top paid winger on the 3rd line. If/when QB takes that next step and takes over a top 2 center spot, then yes. But that's TBD and a ways away. At best we might see QB/Fiala together on the PP occasionally.

 

[Mattias]

I really hope this year we can go with a true top nine. Each line plays a base of about 16 minutes. No true number one line but three separate lines that can be thrown out for certain occasions.

Kempe - Kopitar - Kaliyev
- start the game against other teams top lines, take a lot of defensive zone face offs but also can be relied on late in games to protect leads or try and even things up if loosing.

Moore - Danault - Arvidsson
- start the game against other teams top lines, take a lot of defensive zone face offs but also can be relied on late in games to protect leads.

Iafallo- Byfield- Fiala
- these players get a cushier assignment. They usually get offensive zone starts. Line up against the the other teams non checkers Put out to basically get points.

My big dilemma is if we switch around Iafallo and Kaliyev. I like Iafallo on Byfield’s line as he does provide the defensive presence that line may lack. I also truly don’t care what line anyone plays on as they will all be get an even Icetime with the special teams earning them more.


4th line does mop up duties. We have the ability to build an energy line with the lakes of Lemieux, Lizotte, and Grundstrum or if muscle isn’t needed throw in Vilardi or Kupari. There will be injuries and there will be guys that may have to rest so people will get their games.



POWER PLAY

I also hope we put two PP units in the ice evenly. If Kopitar’s line gets to start the first power play of the game then Byfield’s line gets the second power play. If the unit doesn’t seem to be gelling that game lean heavily on the other unit. Two totally different looks.

PP- Kempe, Kopitar, Kaliyev, Arvidsson, Doughty

PP- Byfield, Fiala, Grundstrum Durzi, (Vilardi,Kupari, Danault, Moore)

If Vilardi or Kupari are playing in the lineup then get them on the power play in positions they can excel at. It might give them a couple more minutes a game and those boys do know how to score and move the puck. If we went with an all energy regular line up we can always throw a Danault or Moore out there so they get some PP time in their place I don’t really care how the line mixtures go, I just don’t like seeing one power play getting a minute 35 time at the start of the power plate each and every time and the other one coming out to do mop up duty and looking four times more refreshed and dangerous.


PENALTY KILL

This is another place we see Kopitar get more rest. We brought in a specialist last year in Danault who can do a wonderful job as penalty kill number one Center, also given him a few more minutes a game. Why not use Moore with him as they have great chemistry and more is great at getting short had a chances.

PK1 - Moore, Danault
PK2 - Lizotte, Grundstrum
PK3 - Kopitar, Kempe - mop up duties

My thoughts are if Lizotte cannot handle the penalty kill, then it’s time to find a new fourth line center. We are paying the guy 1.7 million a year. He should be able to do more than just playing a fortj line role. I like the kid and think he can handle it but I’m saying that first line center should be able to help run the penalty kill him.

Well said and I agree completely. With Arvidsson starting the year on the IR, we could experiment with L. Andersson/Vilardi in that position as a real opportunity for production.

 

[kingsfan28]

training camp around the corner and no word on andersen and durzi. andersen needs to get done, durzi should know he has no leverage with walker and spence available.

Tell that to Durzi's agent, Alan Walsh.Not the easiest of agents to deal with. He's probably asking twice what he should be getting.

 

[unicornpig]

Tell that to Durzi's agent, Alan Walsh.Not the easiest of agents to deal with. He's probably asking twice what he should be getting.

i wouldn't mind one bit if he didn't have a contract at the start of the season, anderson on the other hand....

 

[cyclones22]

As much as i like the idea of pairing Fiala with QB, there is no way they put their newly signed top paid winger on the 3rd line. If/when QB takes that next step and takes over a top 2 center spot, then yes. But that's TBD and a ways away. At best we might see QB/Fiala together on the PP occasionally.

Sadly, I agree with you. But as I have stated in other posts previously, look at the best teams in the league and every single one of them has effectively three scoring lines. This coaching staff has to let go of the archaic thought process that lines 3 and 4 are for checking and energy. There is a real opportunity to spread some of that scoring out this season. Hell, look at Minnesota where Fiala came from. They had three legitimate scoring lines.

The fourth line provided some surprise offense. Arty showed chemistry with Lizotte and Lemieux and so that line was kept together. The reason Kaliyev's shooting percentage was so low is because most of his shots were from outside of the circles at bad angles on the rush. That was primarily the type of shot opportunities that line could generate most of the time. Arty deserves better than that.

The third line was the toss what's left over in the lineup line. Let's be real though, the only reason why it was referred to as the third line especially on broadcasts is because Dustin Brown was on that line. And they didn't want to call him a fourth liner out of respect. When Brown and AA were hurt, it was toss 3 rookies aka champagne line as Fox would say, on the ice for 10 minutes a game line. Coaching staff needs to have better ideas this season. If it's to play Kopi's line 20 plus minutes a game again expect similar or worse results.

 

[Sol]

I would be surprised if Danault regresses. Kempe I expect him to fall quite a bit but Danault seemed to consistently just score high iq goals all year by being in the right place at the right time to shovel in loose pucks around the crease

 

[kingsfan28]

I would be surprised if Danault regresses. Kempe I expect him to fall quite a bit but Danault seemed to consistently just score high iq goals all year by being in the right place at the right time to shovel in loose pucks around the crease

Danault showed no signs at all of dropping off in his 1st year as a King and he's the last guy I'm worrying about. He was probably the most consistent player, and took a leadership role this team needed. Kempe is a wildcard for sure , he's not playing for a contract this year, so not sure which one we'll get .

 

[cyclones22]

I would be surprised if Danault regresses. Kempe I expect him to fall quite a bit but Danault seemed to consistently just score high iq goals all year by being in the right place at the right time to shovel in loose pucks around the crease

I agree. Maybe he doesn't score high 20s again, but his deployment and positioning on the ice is completely different in LA than his previous stints. His strengths are being around the puck and relentless puck retrieval. He wins puck battles consistently. Many of his goals were the result of winning a puck battle around the net and jamming it in. It's not like he was getting lucky with unsustainable sniping that he never displayed in the past. Plus Arvidsson and Trevor Moore were great at drawing the defense and dishing it to teammates who are wide open for tap ins.

 

[Little Psycho]

More pics from the reunion and speech by DL

 

[kingsfan28]

NHL Network is showing tht WJC from 2021 vs Canada right now. Turcotte, Kaliev and Zegras on the same line. Turcotte scores.

 

[kilowatt]

NHL Network is showing tht WJC from 2021 vs Canada right now. Turcotte, Kaliev and Zegras on the same line. Turcotte scores.

He was lights out in that tournament. One of the best on the ice every time he was out there. His last year and a half has been rough with injuries, but he's a gamer. I haven't written him off yet.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

NHL Network is showing tht WJC from 2021 vs Canada right now. Turcotte, Kaliev and Zegras on the same line. Turcotte scores.

That game is a good example of what he does so well, opening up space for others through checking and attention to detail, going to the hard areas, making vision plays himself as well.

Like when people complain about his lack of skill/ability it is a huge skill to be able to center players like Kaliyev and Zegras and fit right in while doing all the dirty work. He's a winner. And I can't wait to see him stay healthy to show it.

 

[kingsfan28]

That game is a good example of what he does so well, opening up space for others through checking and attention to detail, going to the hard areas, making vision plays himself as well.

Like when people complain about his lack of skill/ability it is a huge skill to be able to center players like Kaliyev and Zegras and fit right in while doing all the dirty work. He's a winner. And I can't wait to see him stay healthy to show it.

I thought the same thing. the play he scored on, total skill play knowing where to be to receive the pass. the skill is there, just waiting on the health.

 

[Sol]

That game is a good example of what he does so well, opening up space for others through checking and attention to detail, going to the hard areas, making vision plays himself as well.

Like when people complain about his lack of skill/ability it is a huge skill to be able to center players like Kaliyev and Zegras and fit right in while doing all the dirty work. He's a winner. And I can't wait to see him stay healthy to show it.

Can you tell me more about his skillset ?

 

[AnThGrt]

Been discussed yet A. Turcotte is a M. Richards/Ju. Williams type. Does so many things that go unnoticed and just a consummate pro and winner. I do think he can and does have a career similar to J-Dub being able to play up/down the line-up and stir the drink on whatever line he is on. Not going to lead the team in goals, points, etc yet will be a consistent producer and if placed with top players produce more.

He just needs to remain and stay healthy. Biggest issue with half of our prospects.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Can you tell me more about his skillset ?

@AnThGrt has it but I love this clip to show it all.



You'll notice he's late to the zone, because he was throwing hits and digging to cause the turnover in his own end, made himself available for an easy breakout pass to lug the puck in the neutral zone, went to the right spot to support Zegras who couldn't corral the defenseman's pass, and made the pass thru sticks to the finisher.

It's not pretty/sexy like Zegras in the offensive zone, but it's sexy as hell to coaches and other nerds who like/appreciate the xs-and-os.

Or look at where he's at for all his points, in front, giving and taking a beating



He's got much better hands and feet than this forum will give him credit for.

He's able to make high-level passing plays just like--and with--Zegras. There's a reason those guys were glued together.

 

[yankeeking]

I get he didn’t have a good freshman year but to doubt his talent is terrible and to say you can’t see his talent says more about the poster than AT. Watched the second half of the gold metal game and he was so good in that game doing everything the team needed just quantified the pick and that was the 2021 not when he was 17 like some imply , I believe he is like JW and when he gets well most will eat their words , let’s hope his head heals well for his sake and then the teams sake

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

In my opinion, Turcotte has a lot in common with the development of Brayden Schenn--of course other guys like Schenn and power forwards are much bigger, but Turcotte, like 'big guys' and power forwards, really needs his man strength to play the kind of game with adults that he did vs. his peers at lower levels.

He's never going to be a bully, and he wasn't even really that in college/NDTP, but he loves to get his nose into everything and it just won't be as effective until he grows into it (and stays healthy). Without that element, he's 'just' a speedy playmaker.

Mike Richards really blew up his 22 yo season, his D+5. I know that's unpopular to mention around here. Especially with the injuries, I think we can hope that for Turcotte.

 

[cyclones22]

The main issue with Turcotte is going to be his health. He has plus skating, hands, vision, passing skills and plus plus compete level. His size with his physical style is a negative and his shooting and strength needs improvement. But if he can avoid cheap shots this season, that would help in his continued development. Tyler Madden has been a target of cheap shots as well. Unfortunately, it's common in the AHL. Even with good fighters on the Reign, it doesn't stop career AHL'ers from taking liberties.

 

[Axl Rhoadz]

Nice to read some positive spins on Turcotte. Been really excited about this kid as his play always reminded of one of my all time favorite Kings, Adam Deadmarsh.

Not giving up yet!

 

[Statto]

In my opinion, Turcotte has a lot in common with the development of Brayden Schenn--of course other guys like Schenn and power forwards are much bigger, but Turcotte, like 'big guys' and power forwards, really needs his man strength to play the kind of game with adults that he did vs. his peers at lower levels.

He's never going to be a bully, and he wasn't even really that in college/NDTP, but he loves to get his nose into everything and it just won't be as effective until he grows into it (and stays healthy). Without that element, he's 'just' a speedy playmaker.

Mike Richards really blew up his 22 yo season, his D+5. I know that's unpopular to mention around here. Especially with the injuries, I think we can hope that for Turcotte.

I think of him as an impact player. If only he could stay healthy.

 

[Schrute farms]

The best development progress for Turcotte in the 2022-2023 season would be getting on the ice and not getting injured or concussed. I really don't care about anything else for him this coming season -- goals/points, +/-, defense, skating, hands, vision, checking, etc. None of that matters one bit for him in the immediate year. #1 thing for him by far is simply being healthy, able to be on the ice for long periods of time and continually for months. Skill wise i'll worry about that in the future (honestly not concerned at all on that).