Speculation: LA Kings Offseason Thread

[Herby]

I don't understand why projecting Vilardi to improve has to mean anything about his shooting % staying or going up.

This forum has a weird myopic focus on raw goals vs. points going back to some very strange arguments about Kopitar (would you be mad if Kopitar had 82 assists and no goals, etc.).

I'm 100% certain the theory isn't that Vilardi is a 40 goal scorer in waiting but that his possession and 'heft' improved leaps and bounds as evidenced by his drawing of penalties and just running-backing his way through 3-4 checks, and that will lead to better production....and 'production' means possession, goals, points, penalties drawn, etc., not just friggin even strength raw goals.

And the reverse really goes for Byfield, for all the stuff he generated to NOT end in points vs. his advanced stats, we see not only room for growth/improvement, but also him to fill in the current blanks with just better luck.

BTW, there have indeed been multiple posts here claiming that Vilardi will end up being an elite player, that he has PPG potential, that he has 40G potential, that he has Joe Pavelski hands around the net, that he is better than PLD.

And why is it fair to reference one players abnormally low shooting percentage and what it means for potential growth next season (QB) but it's not fair to reference another players abnormally high shooting percentage and if it means there will be offensive regression.

The problem isn't that he tried to do it and failed. It's that it was promoted as some sort of success because he tried.

fast forward two years and not only has practically every starting goalie from that season and every goalie in the system walked, he has yet to address it.

THAT is the problem. We went form 'well, we TRIED to draft Jesper" to "check it out we've let everyone else go and our entire goaltending system is Copley-Portillo-Villalta-cyborg back Ingham"

So the vibe is similar here. I don't want PLD at this price anyway, but he can say he tried to do it and failed, and he's the only GM in the league who is getting brownie points/gold stars for effort while the titanic sinks around him.

I mean while there are still massive holes at organization LHD and G he's still trying to 'fix' the top six and none of his prospects are making noise is a different convo anyway but still

Amazing how they wouldn't move 1st round picks or prospects to try and answer the long-term goaltending situation in 2021 but by 2023 they move multiple 1sts, 2nds and prospects to bring in expiring contracts and to dump off cap mistakes (that they themselves made).

There is just zero consistency.

 

[johnjm22]

It's a tough call on PLD because I absolutely understand the logic of wanting to add a center. And opportunities to land one at his age are few and far between.

But even after acquiring PLD, the Kings would still need:

Gritty bottom 6 winger
Bottom pairing LHD
Goalie

His salary makes it harder to do that and severely weakens the team on wing.

IMO, a 3rd line of Iafallo-Byfield-Vilardi would do quite well.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

BTW, there have indeed been multiple posts here claiming that Vilardi will end up being an elite player, that he has PPG potential, that he has 40G potential, that he has Joe Pavelski hands around the net, that he is better than PLD.

And why is it fair to reference one players abnormally low shooting percentage and what it means for potential growth next season (QB) but it's not fair to reference another players abnormally high shooting percentage and if it means there will be offensive regression.

It's fair to acknowledge it, I'm just saying 'growth' doesn't just equal 'goals'.

And with respect to comparisons to PLD there have been MANY forms of evidence presented that showed Vilardi the superior player in many respects. OVerall? It's at least debatable. I'd think PLD the guy with the higher absolute ceiling, the guy has every tool, but as much as people go after guys like Kopitar and Byfield here, you think more would be concerned about attitude/heart/leadership/effort perceptions.

It's a tough call on PLD because I absolutely understand the logic of wanting to add a center. And opportunities to land one at his age are few and far between.

But even after acquiring PLD, the Kings would still need:

Gritty bottom 6 winger
Bottom pairing LHD
Goalie

His salary makes it harder to do that and severely weakens the team on wing.

IMO, a 3rd line of Iafallo-Byfield-Vilardi would do quite well.

a 45% faceoff center. lol.

There's a reason he's been playing so much wing.

 

[Herby]

It's a tough call on PLD because I absolutely understand the logic of wanting to add a center. And opportunities to land one at his age are few and far between.

Yup, it's really a shame there wasn't a 25 year old elite 1C available at a discount on the trade market recently that would have been under contract for 3 playoff runs before the AK contract expired. Now instead we go full reactionary and trade a similar value package for a worse player, who will be making similar money who will only have 1 playoff run before AK contract expires.

Expert roster management.

 

[kingsfan28]

The problem isn't that he tried to do it and failed. It's that it was promoted as some sort of success because he tried.

fast forward two years and not only has practically every starting goalie from that season and every goalie in the system walked, he has yet to address it.

THAT is the problem. We went form 'well, we TRIED to draft Jesper" to "check it out we've let everyone else go and our entire goaltending system is Copley-Portillo-Villalta-cyborg back Ingham"

So the vibe is similar here. I don't want PLD at this price anyway, but he can say he tried to do it and failed, and he's the only GM in the league who is getting brownie points/gold stars for effort while the titanic sinks around him.

I mean while there are still massive holes at organization LHD and G he's still trying to 'fix' the top six and none of his prospects are making noise is a different convo anyway but still

So your saying the Kings should've moved 2022's 1st to get a guy that might've been there? That's a very risky game unless you're 100 pct sure he's going to be at the spot you trade at. Remember when Burke tried to move up to get Schenn and there were no takers? Everyone tries to get the guy the want, but you still need 2 to make a trade.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

a $9M headcase with an attitude problem

Can we relax with this already???

The guy wanted out of Columbus, Ohio and didn't want to play for Torts.... He joins a long list of players that have felt the same way on both fronts.

Then he wanted out of Winnipeg / the Jets. Again, a city that leaves a LOT to be desired and a team that is currently imploding and has serious leadership issues.

Players only have 1 career - And they're only in their prime once. Is he really supposed to just sit around in a sh*tty situation and waste his career away just "because loyalty"?????

Come on now.

 

[King'sPawn]

So your saying the Kings should've moved 2022's 1st to get a guy that might've been there? That's a very risky game unless you're 100 pct sure he's going to be at the spot you trade at. Remember when Burke tried to move up to get Schenn and there were no takers? Everyone tries to get the guy the want, but you still need 2 to make a trade.

Teams get 5 minutes to make a pick in the first round.

The Kings could have called a team picking 19th when their pick came in and offered it.

Not saying they SHOULD have, but they would know who is available during picks.

 

[kings11]

BTW, there have indeed been multiple posts here claiming that Vilardi will end up being an elite player, that he has PPG potential, that he has 40G potential, that he has Joe Pavelski hands around the net, that he is better than PLD.

And why is it fair to reference one players abnormally low shooting percentage and what it means for potential growth next season (QB) but it's not fair to reference another players abnormally high shooting percentage and if it means there will be offensive regression.



Amazing how they wouldn't move 1st round picks or prospects to try and answer the long-term goaltending situation in 2021 but by 2023 they move multiple 1sts, 2nds and prospects to bring in expiring contracts and to dump off cap mistakes (that they themselves made).

There is just zero consistency.

Let me answer that second part..
The Kings absolutely thought they’d still be rebuilding and giving up a 1st would be a mistake.. the reason to give up 1sts and other assets now is because they fancy themselves playoff contenders if not more..
truth is, once Blake signed PD all bets were off and the rebuild was more of a retool. So far it’s gotten them 2 first round exits, a cap crunch and whole bunch of doubt

 

[kingsholygrail]

Can we relax with this already???

The guy wanted out of Columbus, Ohio and didn't want to play for Torts.... He joins a long list of players that have felt the same way on both fronts.

Then he wanted out of Winnipeg / the Jets. Again, a city that leaves a LOT to be desired and a team that is currently imploding and has serious leadership issues.

Players only have 1 career - And they're only in their prime once. Is he really supposed to just sit around in a sh*tty situation and waste his career away just "because loyalty"?????

Come on now.

And LA is not another Columbus/Winnipeg?

 

[DAkings20]

And LA is not another Columbus/Winnipeg?

 

[Herby]

So your saying the Kings should've moved 2022's 1st to get a guy that might've been there? That's a very risky game unless you're 100 pct sure he's going to be at the spot you trade at. Remember when Burke tried to move up to get Schenn and there were no takers? Everyone tries to get the guy the want, but you still need 2 to make a trade.

I know this is directed at someone else, and not to speak for RJ.

But I am guessing he is frustrated that 6 years after being hired, with this being his 7th draft that the Kings are in this position with goaltenders.

The Kings have had six 1st round picks and nine 2nd round picks since Blake took over and they drafted 0 goaltenders.

9 centers
4 defenders
2 wingers
0 goaltenders

And the salt in the wound is that the centers have almost all been anything from flops to disappointments.

No GM, 6 years in to his tenure should have a goaltending situation as bad as the Kings, it's gross mismanagement.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

And LA is not another Columbus/Winnipeg?

Uhhhhhhh...... No? It's not.

 

[Herby]

truth is, once Blake signed PD all bets were off and the rebuild was more of a retool. So far it’s gotten them 2 first round exits, a cap crunch and whole bunch of doubt

Well I thought that was obvious, but many here still thought the Kings were rebuilding, even after the PD and VA signings. But good to know it's now consensus that was when the Kings mini-rebuild ended.

The issue is why not just jump into the pool completely for Eichel a couple of months later. If you are trying to contend why not get a truly elite player at a discount, you get him for 3 playoff runs while AK is under contract. But Blake decides to keep hoarding his prospects while also trying to contend before 11 and 8 retired.

Instead here we are 2 years later, with 0 playoff series wins and youth that have for the most part regressed and now we are very likely about to trade for a much worse player and get only 1 playoff run with him and AK under contract.

It just makes no sense.

 

[kingsfan28]

I know this is directed at someone else, and not to speak for RJ.

But I am guessing he is frustrated that 6 years after being hired, with this being his 7th draft that the Kings are in this position with goaltenders.

The Kings have had six 1st round picks and nine 2nd round picks since Blake took over and they drafted 0 goaltenders.

9 centers
4 defenders
2 wingers
0 goaltenders

And the salt in the wound is that the centers have almost all been anything from flops to disappointments.

No GM, 6 years in to his tenure should have a goaltending situation as bad as the Kings, it's gross mismanagement.

Oh yeah, that ugly mark has not gone by me. At least back with Taylor and to some extent DL, you could always count on a goalie in the 4th-5th round. But with Blake its been like RHD or center/winger at this spot. Really odd and a very bad look for the org.

 

[Kudelski37]

a 45% faceoff center. lol.

There's a reason he's been playing so much wing.

Which guy are you talking about...PLD or Byfield? They both have 45% career faceoffs....Vilardi is 46%.

 

[kingsfan28]

Teams get 5 minutes to make a pick in the first round.

The Kings could have called a team picking 19th when their pick came in and offered it.

Not saying they SHOULD have, but they would know who is available during picks.

Very true, but that team still need to be willing to do it. That clip with Burke just fuming b/c nobody would trade with him still cracks me up. You could see the steam coming out of his ears.

 

[deaderhead28]

I doubt it. The cap is tight, but workable.


This is it!
Get the Tanks!
Let's send a convoy to Staples Center!
Bring BBQ's too!!!

 

[Nasti]

I've kind of learned not to read to much into what a players perception is, there is a lot that goes into that.

When the Kings traded for Ryan Smyth he was lauded as some great leader and character, but it turned out he was only in it for what was best for himself and completely embarrassed himself with his play on the ice his 2nd season and then the blatant lies told to the media in response to a (correct) media report that Smyth had demanded a trade to Edmonton because they were the only team who were going to extend him.

Jeff Carter on the other hand came in with a ton of baggage, attitude problems in both Philly (which lead to the original trade to CBJ) and then in CBJ where despite making around $6m a year he chose to sulk and be unprofessional. He of course came to LA and was a great player both on and off the ice for the Kings.

Smyth wanted to go to Edmonton in large part because that’s where his wife wanted to be.

 

[DoktorJeep]

It’s nut up or shut up time for Rob on Wednesday. Clearly he needs to improve the roster and clear out inconvenient salary at the same time. Durzi was step one. PLD for Vilardi and some $4M+ third liner is the straight forward step 2.

I doubt any young guy making league minimum goes the other way for PLD. This is about money and superficial improvements to buy time for management. Only thing that holds this up is PLD’s number next year.

His QO makes it hard to upgrade at G and ideally #3 LD. Gotta think the Jets sign him to a nice raise and retain for one year, raising their returns. So I think this costs a 3 for 1 by the Kings.

Vilardi, Iafallo, 4th pick
PLD with $2M max retained by WPG

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I know this is directed at someone else, and not to speak for RJ.

But I am guessing he is frustrated that 6 years after being hired, with this being his 7th draft that the Kings are in this position with goaltenders.

The Kings have had six 1st round picks and nine 2nd round picks since Blake took over and they drafted 0 goaltenders.

9 centers
4 defenders
2 wingers
0 goaltenders

And the salt in the wound is that the centers have almost all been anything from flops to disappointments.

No GM, 6 years in to his tenure should have a goaltending situation as bad as the Kings, it's gross mismanagement.

He's drafted 5 goaltenders in six drafts....not 1sts or 2nds, but to be fair how many Gs are drafted in the 1st and 2nd ?

2017 - 2
2018 - 2
2019 - 4
2020 - 2
2021 - 1
2022 - 2

Let's not try and pretend that every team picks G's in the 1st and 2nd rounds

 

[Johnny Utah]

I don't care whether Blake makes this deal or not, but please dump some forwards. Right now Iaffalo is on the 4th line and there are 4 extra forwards.

As others pointed out, there is no bottom pair LHD and the 4th line needs help.

 

[LAKings88]

The kings still need to move out space:

Lizotte can go the other way if Kupari is his replacement.

One of Iaffalo or Arvidsson goes. Iaffalo has an extra year and is younger.

Vilardi-seems to be part of the deal.

Turcotte/Fagemo/1st in 24

I wonder what getting Hellebuyck would cost in a package? That would make the most sense honestly but can LA absorb that much cap? Need Kopi to come back cheap.

I don't care whether Blake makes this deal or not, but please dump some forwards. Right now Iaffalo is on the 4th line and there are 4 extra forwards.

As others pointed out, there is no bottom pair LHD and the 4th line needs help.

Bjornfot/Moverare

Cheap ufa

 

[johnjm22]

It’s nut up or shut up time for Rob on Wednesday. Clearly he needs to improve the roster and clear out inconvenient salary at the same time. Durzi was step one. PLD for Vilardi and some $4M+ third liner is the straight forward step 2.

Watch Blake do this, then when PLD inevitably disappoints, you'll criticize Blake for making the trade.

 

[DryIslandBartender]

Can we relax with this already???

The guy wanted out of Columbus, Ohio and didn't want to play for Torts.... He joins a long list of players that have felt the same way on both fronts.

Then he wanted out of Winnipeg / the Jets. Again, a city that leaves a LOT to be desired and a team that is currently imploding and has serious leadership issues.

Players only have 1 career - And they're only in their prime once. Is he really supposed to just sit around in a sh*tty situation and waste his career away just "because loyalty"?????

Come on now.

He’s part of the problem though on fostering toxic cultures, wanting out of two cities in a short period of time is a HUGE red flag. The Kings seem to be the only one falling all over themselves over PLD and that’s because management is desperate, Montreal is lukewarm about it.

I wouldn’t trade a bunch of assets + sign him to an anchor contract.

 

[King'sPawn]

He’s part of the problem though on fostering toxic cultures, wanting out of two cities in a short period of time is a HUGE red flag. The Kings seem to be the only one falling all over themselves over PLD and that’s because management is desperate, Montreal is lukewarm about it.

I wouldn’t trade a bunch of assets + sign him to an anchor contract.

Agreed. It's one thing to want to get out of a bad environment. When you start trying to get out of multiple environments, then eventually you weed out the common denominator.

What if PLD decides after a year he's not happy in LA? Or what if Blake fires McLellan and... okay, we know that's not going to happen. But what if PLD just... wants to leave? And so LA either has to deal with a dude phoning it in until he gets what he wants or they have to deal with trading him for even less value.

Heck, people are convinced Byfield won't improve enough as a 20 year-old to build a respectable career but are ready to hitch their wagon to a 25 year-old with a history of malcontentment to grow up emotionally?