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

[kings11]

Ok, let's not start talking about beer league experience.

RHD have always been more rare than LHD. That's why which side a guy plays tends to be a big deal. RHD are like left handed pitchers. You'll see far more LHD play the right side than RHD play the left side, but you wouldn't want a defense of all RHD. If the Kings have excess RHD, you include them in a deal, because they're more valuable. If Doughty and Durzi are sticking around, then you have to figure out which 2 or 3 are going to go between Roy, Walker, Clarke, and Spence. If this is a luxury the Kings possess, then you get to play the ideal game. Ideally you want 3 very good RHD. Doughty/Voynov/Greene, that was perfect.

I agree with your assessment except Clarke isn’t expendable.. unless the kid absolutely falls off the face of the earth, he’s going nowhere anytime soon…
Blake, Yannetti & Co didn’t call him the most offensively talented Dman the Kings have ever drafted for nothing..
Me thinks you meant Grans…
Btw, Spence looks like Lubo 2.0

 

[kingsfan]

No player is worth 3 first rounders, even those two. Although he was a few years past his prime, Karlsson was for only 1 first and 4 players. I bet if those two were being shopped. 2 picks and 3 players [top prospects] would get it done. JC is not worth what they're asking.

If Cale Makar were to hit the trade block I'd give up 3 1sts in a heartbeat. I wouldn't even ask for them to be lottery protected.

Saying Karlsson went for one first only is just a technicality, since one of those players was Josh Norris who was a 1st rounder 14 months before. A kid drafted in the first round being traded a year later is arguably worth more than when he was drafted since he's now 14 months down the development trail and is NHL ready sooner.

And I'd give up much more for Makar than I would for Karlsson given his age and locker room concerns compared to Makar.

 

[Statto]

Cant argue with that. Bjornfot and Anderson are solid and they need one more lefty to round it out. I like Moverare but hes a bit redundant with the other two. He should be the 7th dman next season and be the first to get a shot if a left dman goes down. Someone like Chychrun with size and good offensive instincts is a very nice fit to whats already here if I must say but maybe not at that cost.

I’ve asked before, with no answer, but given the offensive talent on RHD is offensive skill on the left a major issue, as long as the guys on the left are solid and can move the puck? Most power play employ just 1D these days so with with Doughty (sign who you want he will play on the pp), Durzi, Clarke and Spence on the books we seem to have that covered.

So, I don’t quite see the dire need for offence on the left. Size, grit? Sure but whilst there are definitely some system minor details, at the NHL level it’s not really much of an issue as long as the pairings can do the job between them. Maybe I’m missing something, but for me the size/grit thing is a bigger need. Don’t get me wrong, if a smart deal is there to upgrade any position you should absolutely do it but offence from the left isn’t on my priority list.

 

[All The Kings Men]

I’ve asked before, with no answer, but given the offensive talent on RHD is offensive skill on the left a major issue, as long as the guys on the left are solid and can move the puck? Most power play employ just 1D these days so with with Doughty (sign who you want he will play on the pp), Durzi, Clarke and Spence on the books we seem to have that covered.

So, I don’t quite see the dire need for offence on the left. Size, grit? Sure but whilst there are definitely some system minor details, at the NHL level it’s not really much of an issue as long as the pairings can do the job between them. Maybe I’m missing something, but for me the size/grit thing is a bigger need. Don’t get me wrong, if a smart deal is there to upgrade any position you should absolutely do it but offence from the left isn’t on my priority list.

You're right and don't let anybody else tell you otherwise.

 

[Schmooley]

I’ve asked before, with no answer, but given the offensive talent on RHD is offensive skill on the left a major issue, as long as the guys on the left are solid and can move the puck? Most power play employ just 1D these days so with with Doughty (sign who you want he will play on the pp), Durzi, Clarke and Spence on the books we seem to have that covered.

So, I don’t quite see the dire need for offence on the left. Size, grit? Sure but whilst there are definitely some system minor details, at the NHL level it’s not really much of an issue as long as the pairings can do the job between them. Maybe I’m missing something, but for me the size/grit thing is a bigger need. Don’t get me wrong, if a smart deal is there to upgrade any position you should absolutely do it but offence from the left isn’t on my priority list.

Its not a dire need. But they have a ton of assets and if they want to upgrade to get a game changing player at the right cost then theres not a problem with that.

 

[bland]

I’ve asked before, with no answer, but given the offensive talent on RHD is offensive skill on the left a major issue, as long as the guys on the left are solid and can move the puck? Most power play employ just 1D these days so with with Doughty (sign who you want he will play on the pp), Durzi, Clarke and Spence on the books we seem to have that covered.

So, I don’t quite see the dire need for offence on the left. Size, grit? Sure but whilst there are definitely some system minor details, at the NHL level it’s not really much of an issue as long as the pairings can do the job between them. Maybe I’m missing something, but for me the size/grit thing is a bigger need. Don’t get me wrong, if a smart deal is there to upgrade any position you should absolutely do it but offence from the left isn’t on my priority list.

I think a lot of folks are sleeping on Bjornfot. He is a quality puck mover who has been concentrating on safety first as he acclimates to the league. I see his puck skills emerging over the next couple of years.

If they continue to insist on a 4f 1d PP, there is just no need to overspend on a LHD, especially when Clarke may very well be running the PP for a decade when he gets here. And since the Kings best chances lie ahead and not now, you don't really know what will really be needed at that point. The Kings are trying to make the playoffs now, save the mega deal for when they are trying to win the Cup.

Its a perceived weakness right now, nowhere near the top of the list of needs now or likely in the near future. Trading away multiple high end assets isn't advisable.

 

[Ollie Weeks]

I think a lot of folks are sleeping on Bjornfot. He is a quality puck mover who has been concentrating on safety first as he acclimates to the league. I see his puck skills emerging over the next couple of years.

If they continue to insist on a 4f 1d PP, there is just no need to overspend on a LHD, especially when Clarke may very well be running the PP for a decade when he gets here. And since the Kings best chances lie ahead and not now, you don't really know what will really be needed at that point. The Kings are trying to make the playoffs now, save the mega deal for when they are trying to win the Cup.

Its a perceived weakness right now, nowhere near the top of the list of needs now or likely in the near future. Trading away multiple high end assets isn't advisable.

Completely agree on Bjornfot. It’s easy to forget how young he is with how steady he is back there. His willingness to lug the puck up on attack every now and then, and activate from the point looking for a scoring chance down low, suggest he is only scratching the surface of what he’ll be.

 

[cyclones22]

There's also an assumption that Chychrun will have chemistry with Doughty. A Weber Josi type pairing doesn't happen quite often. We've seen ideal pairings on paper just not work out before. Just something to consider.

 

[lumbergh]

Not from Seattle's viewpoint. Two depth pieces and a 3rd isn't going to get you much.

I look at this from Seattle's viewpoint. They're in asset acquisition mode. Few teams did them favors at the expansion draft, so they're not going to be good for a couple of years. If they're going to trade a mid pairing guy like Soucy, they're not expecting to a top prospect or a 1st round pick.

Getting a guy like Athanasiou nets them a young-ish NHL player that can play major minutes on their lineup now. If they ultimately don't keep him, they can flip him to another team looking for offense at the trade deadline.

Austin Strand is never going to get permanent time on the Kings with the depth here, but he's a big bodied defenseman who can move the puck well. I've been quite impressed with his poise over the past two seasons. The Kraken are short on RHD, so there's a fit there. Strand is a decent player who has played two seasons with the Thunderbirds, so he's a familiar face there. Led the Thunderbirds to a Memorial Cup.

A third round pick on top of two younger players that can play on the Kraken now is a pretty good haul for Soucy. I don't even know if he's available, but if he were I don't expect him to be super expensive.

 

[Reclamation Project]

No player is worth 3 first rounders, even those two. Although he was a few years past his prime, Karlsson was for only 1 first and 4 players. I bet if those two were being shopped. 2 picks and 3 players [top prospects] would get it done. JC is not worth what they're asking.

The duo in Edmonton definitely.

 

[kingsfan]

I look at this from Seattle's viewpoint. They're in asset acquisition mode. Few teams did them favors at the expansion draft, so they're not going to be good for a couple of years. If they're going to trade a mid pairing guy like Soucy, they're not expecting to a top prospect or a 1st round pick.

Getting a guy like Athanasiou nets them a young-ish NHL player that can play major minutes on their lineup now. If they ultimately don't keep him, they can flip him to another team looking for offense at the trade deadline.

Austin Strand is never going to get permanent time on the Kings with the depth here, but he's a big bodied defenseman who can move the puck well. I've been quite impressed with his poise over the past two seasons. The Kraken are short on RHD, so there's a fit there. Strand is a decent player who has played two seasons with the Thunderbirds, so he's a familiar face there. Led the Thunderbirds to a Memorial Cup.

A third round pick on top of two younger players that can play on the Kraken now is a pretty good haul for Soucy. I don't even know if he's available, but if he were I don't expect him to be super expensive.

I look at it like this from Seattle's viewpoint; Soucy is 27 and there's no indication he wouldn't resign in Seattle after next year. Given that, which would they rather have; Soucy or a AA, Strand and a 3rd? I'd assume Soucy. AA is likely worth at best a 3rd at the deadline, Strand isn't worth more than a low end pick and a third is a third. I'd rather have the better piece than three depth parts, one of which (AA) is a UFA after the season and they could just try and sign him then if they want. Or one of likely several other similar caliber players at similar cap hits.

Seattle has a ton of cap space after this year and likely Beniers coming in, offense likely won't be as bad next year as this year.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Kings have scouts at the Avs Stars game. Makar! See you soon.

Give me 6 foot 6 , 230lb Jani Hakanpaa.

He'll be our poor mans Brandan Carlo.

 

[lumbergh]

I look at it like this from Seattle's viewpoint; Soucy is 27 and there's no indication he wouldn't resign in Seattle after next year. Given that, which would they rather have; Soucy or a AA, Strand and a 3rd? I'd assume Soucy. AA is likely worth at best a 3rd at the deadline, Strand isn't worth more than a low end pick and a third is a third. I'd rather have the better piece than three depth parts, one of which (AA) is a UFA after the season and they could just try and sign him then if they want. Or one of likely several other similar caliber players at similar cap hits.

Seattle has a ton of cap space after this year and likely Beniers coming in, offense likely won't be as bad next year as this year.

That’s fair. We can disagree on what’s valuable to the Kraken.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

That’s fair. We can disagree on what’s valuable to the Kraken.

We are not offering anything of VALUE in your proposal.

 

[YP44]

There's also an assumption that Chychrun will have chemistry with Doughty. A Weber Josi type pairing doesn't happen quite often. We've seen ideal pairings on paper just not work out before. Just something to consider.

if he doesn't work with Drew I would think they could find someone on the 2nd pair to play with him

 

[YP44]

Give me 6 foot 6 , 230lb Jani Hakanpaa.

He'll be our poor mans Brandan Carlo.

The kings should have beat the shit out of him in the rematch after the doughty injury.

 

[cyclones22]

if he doesn't work with Drew I would think they could find someone on the 2nd pair to play with him

Sure, but if you're giving up 3 first round equivalent in picks and prospects for this guy, he better be playing 25+ minutes against the hardest competition. You're not giving up that much for someone to play on the second pairing. We all know he's NOT a 2nd pairing defenseman, I'm just saying that sometimes it's not always a fit. I'm not even opposed to trading for him assuming the price is right, but I don't think it's a pressing need to acquire him.

 

[YP44]

Sure, but if you're giving up 3 first round equivalent in picks and prospects for this guy, he better be playing 25+ minutes against the hardest competition. You're not giving up that much for someone to play on the second pairing. We all know he's NOT a 2nd pairing defenseman, I'm just saying that sometimes it's not always a fit. I'm not even opposed to trading for him assuming the price is right, but I don't think it's a pressing need to acquire him.

I agree with that. Think of when Anaheim had Pronger and Neidermeyer. They played them apart (other than PP) and played them each a shit load. It can be done.
Listening to kings of the podcast sounds like Florida is putting up a massive offer. he mentions Lundell and Knight. LA should not try and top that.

 

[kingsfan]

I agree with that. Think of when Anaheim had Pronger and Neidermeyer. They played them apart (other than PP) and played them each a shit load. It can be done.
Listening to kings of the podcast sounds like Florida is putting up a massive offer. he mentions Lundell and Knight. LA should not try and top that.

Yeah, when Anaheim had those two, one or the other was out for 45-50 minutes a night typically. Makes having cheap fill ins on your 3rd pairing easy to manage barring any injuries.

If Florida is offering both Knight and Lundell, absolutely no way LA should be in that poker game. I'd really want to get Chychrun but that price tag would have us offering up Byfield, Clarke, etc. Pass on that.

If those rumours are true though about Lundell and Knight, I also wonder if the deal also have Arizona eating a bad contract for Florida, such as Hornqvist, who I'm sure they'd like off the books next year when Barkov's extension kicks in.

 

[YP44]

Yeah, when Anaheim had those two, one or the other was out for 45-50 minutes a night typically. Makes having cheap fill ins on your 3rd pairing easy to manage barring any injuries.

If Florida is offering both Knight and Lundell, absolutely no way LA should be in that poker game. I'd really want to get Chychrun but that price tag would have us offering up Byfield, Clarke, etc. Pass on that.

If those rumours are true though about Lundell and Knight, I also wonder if the deal also have Arizona eating a bad contract for Florida, such as Hornqvist, who I'm sure they'd like off the books next year when Barkov's extension kicks in.

I wonder why that deal is not done already if that is the deal

 

[KingsHockey24]

I still believe JC isn't even that good.

We're talking a decent #2D. In my eyes worse than Jake Muzzin when he was in his prime in LA.

I'm not giving up Byfield/Clarke/1st +++ for a decent #2 guy.

 

[kingsfan]

I wonder why that deal is not done already if that is the deal

I can't imagine if Arizona was offered those two straight up for Chychrun they'd say no, so I'm guessing there's more to the trade than just that.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

That rumor is BS. Lol. If AZ was offered Lundell and Knight the trade would be over. That’s an absolute falsified rumor.

 

[johnjm22]

I still believe JC isn't even that good.

We're talking a decent #2D. In my eyes worse than Jake Muzzin when he was in his prime in LA.

You might be right.

His 18g season is likely an outlier. His shooting % was nearly double his career average, so it's probably unsustainable. I'd bet he'll never score at that rate ever again. He also got 61% OZ starts that season.

In that career year, his GA/60 at ES was 3.2, which was one of the higher ones on the team, indicating he's nothing special defensively. He didn't even get used on the #1 PK unit.

He also gets injured almost every year. He's never played a full NHL season before.

Had he followed up his previous two seasons with a solid performance this year, it might be different, but as of now he's kind of hard to gauge as player.

 

[YP44]

I still believe JC isn't even that good.

We're talking a decent #2D. In my eyes worse than Jake Muzzin when he was in his prime in LA.

I'm not giving up Byfield/Clarke/1st +++ for a decent #2 guy.

this year he sure looks more like the guy you describe