Speculation: LA Kings Offseason Thread

[Bandit]

Kings must have hookers in the AHL dressing room. It’s the only logical explanation for Bjornfot and JAD re-signing for league minimum.

 

[Ollie Weeks]

That Bjornfot deal could be very good for us next year.

 

[Moses Doughty]

Kings must have hookers in the AHL dressing room. It’s the only logical explanation for Bjornfot and JAD re-signing for league minimum.

Not sure it's that surprising tbh. Almost everyone is going through a cap crunch, and RFAs who haven't fully proven themselves aren't likely to have much room to ask for more money. Tobi going 2 years is a surprise but he also got a 1 way for it.

Even Erik Gustafsson put up 42 points and could only get 825k

 

[regulate]

Björnfot needs to fire his agent. I got you a one way deal guaranteed for 2 years!!!!

If you get waived this year another team will be grabbing you. Ducks & Sharks at the top of the list just to spite the King's.

King's had 1M they spent on englund to fit under the cap. It's just adding & subtracting & your agent missed the target by 30%

Good job Blake.

Edit: below the qualifying offer?

Tobias didn't sign the qualifying offer because he obviously wanted guaranteed money for two years, no more two way contract. Seems to me that Bjornfoot is the least likely of the players on the bubble to be waived, since young cheap D with over 100 games NHL experience would likely be taken vs the others (Fagemo, Madden, Thomas etc) that have not been able to appear or stick at the next level. I see your point though, not exactly earning your money as an agent other than getting the second year of the contract, which the Kings probably didn't have a problem with anyway.

 

[Buddy The Elf]

Has anyone from Kings management talked about why Korpisalo wasn't brought back? I'm guessing the only reason could be his playoff performance because if it was his performance prior to the playoffs then obviously Copley would've gotten more action. If it was due to cap concerns then they clearly thought they needed another center over goaltending and that Copley along with a cheap retread would suffice.

I haven't been a huge critic of Blake's and that's partially because I lost interest when the Kings were abysmal a few years ago. But it's clear to me at this point that he doesn't have a plan and is very reactionary. Lombardi was very methodical in his approach and while it took a fair amount of luck to achieve the success he had, there was a clear vision in place that was well thought out. It was layered with contingencies, and he really only lost his way once he tasted success and chased the dragon.

 

[David Lunch]

I think Bjornfot took the deal to give him the best possible chance of staying in the lineup. Honestly, it’s in his self interest to not give the Kings any reason to not play him. Good on Toby, I’m hoping this is a big year for him and his confidence.

 

[King'sPawn]

Has anyone from Kings management talked about why Korpisalo wasn't brought back? I'm guessing the only reason could be his playoff performance because if it was his performance prior to the playoffs then obviously Copley would've gotten more action. If it was due to cap concerns then they clearly thought they needed another center over goaltending and that Copley along with a cheap retread would suffice.

Korpisalo signed 4 x $5 million contract with Ottawa.

There was no way to have that type of cap space available without trading Vilardi, Iafallo, and Kupari, but then how could they trade for PLD if they did that?

 

[Buddy The Elf]

Korpisalo signed 4 x $5 million contract with Ottawa.

There was no way to have that type of cap space available without trading Vilardi, Iafallo, and Kupari, but then how could they trade for PLD if they did that?

What I'm saying is that if goaltending was a bigger need that they would've moved those or similar assets to free up space for a viable solution. For whatever reason they prioritized another center versus any other need including goaltending. At this point in the offseason, it appears they don't believe goaltending is an issue and that Copley/Talbot are sufficient. That begs the question why they traded for Korpisalo in the first place then road him through the rest of the regular season and playoffs without giving Copley a chance in the playoffs. The guy that is now presumably their horse so to speak.

 

[kingsholygrail]

What I'm saying is that if goaltending was a bigger need that they would've moved those or similar assets to free up space for a viable solution. For whatever reason they prioritized another center versus any other need including goaltending. At this point in the offseason, it appears they don't believe goaltending is an issue and that Copley/Talbot are sufficient. That begs the question why they traded for Korpisalo in the first place then road him through the rest of the regular season and playoffs without giving Copley a chance in the playoffs. The guy that is now presumably their horse so to speak.

Blake's betting on Copley and kicking the problem to next off season.

 

[BigKing]

What I'm saying is that if goaltending was a bigger need that they would've moved those or similar assets to free up space for a viable solution. For whatever reason they prioritized another center versus any other need including goaltending. At this point in the offseason, it appears they don't believe goaltending is an issue and that Copley/Talbot are sufficient. That begs the question why they traded for Korpisalo in the first place then road him through the rest of the regular season and playoffs without giving Copley a chance in the playoffs. The guy that is now presumably their horse so to speak.

Vegas just won with a nobody in net. Most every team that goes big money on a goalie regrets it.

So Blake was like, that's our plan.

I think it is a completely open competition for the #1 job. Blake already told Copley what he thought of him with the Korpisalo trade.

 

[Buddy The Elf]

Vegas just won with a nobody in net. Most every team that goes big money on a goalie regrets it.

So Blake was like, that's our plan.

I think it is a completely open competition for the #1 job. Blake already told Copley what he thought of him with the Korpisalo trade.

Your first point is what I assumed Blake is doing now but did he just come to that conclusion? The Kings were fine with Copley last year until the trade. Was Korpisalo a throw in? He deviated from that logic at the deadline last year but now has come to terms with it? One could only wonder if Blake didn't get Korpisalo and the Kings still got shelled if he'd think differently this offseason. Why bother figuring out what's going on in his mind because none of it makes sense.

It's probably fun to play craps with Blake at the casino. Lots of reckless behavior with some highs and many lows.

 

[BigKing]

Your first point is what I assumed Blake is doing now but did he just come to that conclusion? The Kings were fine with Copley last year until the trade. Was Korpisalo a throw in? He deviated from that logic at the deadline last year but now has come to terms with it? One could only wonder if Blake didn't get Korpisalo and the Kings still got shelled if he'd think differently this offseason. Why bother figuring out what's going on in his mind because none of it makes sense.

It's probably fun to play craps with Blake at the casino. Lots of reckless behavior with some highs and many lows.

He knew he couldn't re-sign both players from the trade. Huge hole at LD without Gavrikov and he performed at a higher level than Korpisalo. Blake made his choice who was more important to bring back and who was more likely to play up to the new contract. That contract Korpisalo got is a little risky: he hasn't been tremendous or anything save for the one CBJ playoff run and a pretty good season last year.

Korpi wasn't a throw in to the trade: Blake was just going for it because he thought he had a contender. Major criticism of the trade was going all-in on this team. Then he had to sign at least one of these guys to justify dumping Quick and moving the 1st round pick so he moved a bunch more stuff to find the room for Gavrikov.

Blake just watched a nobody in net win the Cup. Vegas had a goalie carousel all year. While he didn't believe in Copley enough with the team he had last year, the SOB still went 24-6-3. Now he has Gavrikov all year and probably believes he is upgrading with Clarke over Durzi. Then he goes out and clearly improves the center depth.

He believes he has a better team, one that can limit chances and doesn't need the goalie to be amazing. After the Quick trade, the Kings gave up more than two goals only five times in 20 games. It wasn't due to great goaltending...little bit of a nice schedule but the Top 4 really solidified with Gavrikov.

I don't like going into the year with these goalies but, to be fair, they went in to last year with Quick/Petersen so it's not like this is any worse when you look at it now. Blake has chosen to improve the team in front of the goalie instead of improving the goaltending position.

The real question is: are they actually a better team (skaters only) than the one we saw post-Quick trade?

 

[Schrute farms]

I think some of ya'll are giving Blake too much credit -- as if he has a plan and is thinking beyond what he is having for lunch. As a GM, he should have multiple 'what if' plans for the current team and constantly updating/changing it. While also having plans for years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. out (depth wise, prospects, cap management, drafting, etc.). That's not Blake. He's counting on his fingers and toes.

 

[KingsHockey24]

I'm conflicted because I want Bjornfot to be our regular #6 guy but that would likely mean Englund (Our only physical presence on the team) would be out the line-up.

We kind of need a right shot though.

The Kings are woke. They won't sign a guy like Comtois even if he's innocent.

Kassian isn't an NHL caliber player anymore. Lemieux is great in short stints, but there's a reason nobody wants him.

It's actually shocking to me that Lemieux and that dude from San Jose hasn't been signed yet.

 

[chris kontos]

I heard lemieuix signed a contract with the fine young cannibals...

 

[Johnny Utah]

I'm conflicted because I want Bjornfot to be our regular #6 guy but that would likely mean Englund (Our only physical presence on the team) would be out the line-up.


It's actually shocking to me that Lemieux and that dude from San Jose hasn't been signed yet.

Gadjovich just signed an AHL deal only with the Checkers.

Kassian, Lemieux, N. Ritchie, and Comtois still out there...

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

@Raccoon Jesus how long have you had that handle?

It's been so long I figured people just forgot the meaning

But I didn't come up with it, someone on this forum used it and I died laughing so promptly changed from Brad Doty

 

[FSL KINGS]

A lot of you are just missing the goalie situation. It's very hard with the cap to go into a season without some holes on the team. Blake knows the goalie situation isn't good enough for the playoffs. He's betting it's enough to make the playoffs & add a goalie later.

The team you start with doesn't have to be the team you end with.

There haven't been any goalies moved that would be considered a fix & the last thing the team needs is to end up with another Cal contract.

 

[Statto]

He'd probably rather deal with his clothing line.

Pretty unfair. He cut back on things like his podcast when it was time to focus on hockey. Once he turned pro he was rarely on it… which is why I stopped listening. Hockey is his priority but it’s not as if he‘d skating 24 x 7, so there’s nothin wrong with what he does to fill in the down time. Better than just playing x-box.

If his shoulders are sorted he’s a guy that can still do something, he was looking good before he was re-injured. He was a key player in Ontario and it’s too early to right him off.

 

[Statto]

What I'm saying is that if goaltending was a bigger need that they would've moved those or similar assets to free up space for a viable solution. For whatever reason they prioritized another center versus any other need including goaltending. At this point in the offseason, it appears they don't believe goaltending is an issue and that Copley/Talbot are sufficient. That begs the question why they traded for Korpisalo in the first place then road him through the rest of the regular season and playoffs without giving Copley a chance in the playoffs. The guy that is now presumably their horse so to speak.

Korpisalo was the better guy in net down the stretch so going with him seemed right but it wasn’t ultimately goaltending that killed us. We just weren’t good enough.

I’d have liked Korpisalo back but not on that contract. If that was his ask it was the right thing to do in walking away. It’s not as if they could negotiate before the trade. The play-off performance didn’t help but even without that dip it’s still more than he’s proved his worth.

Without a doubt our goaltending is the big question we face right now.

 

[KingsHockey24]

Gadjovich just signed an AHL deal only with the Checkers.

Kassian, Lemieux, N. Ritchie, and Comtois still out there...

Bring Lemieux back for 4 years at league minimum so nobody claims him off waivers.

 

[johnjm22]

If Lemieux could play like he did for us in 21-22, I'd bring him back in a heartbeat.

But he's kind of a quitter. He won't give consistent effort. His game will always flatline eventually. There's a reason why he's searching for his 5th team.

 

[King'sPawn]

Last rfa, I think

 

[kingsboy11]

Last rfa, I think

Along with Turcotte, the player I'm most rooting for.

 

[Kingz4life]

It just means they make less money when playing in the AHL. It means nothing regarding waiver eligibility.

Regarding Copley - any player assigned to the AHL will have up to $1.125 million buried. So, if Copley cleared and was sent down, his cap hit would still be $375,000.

If Kopitar could be sent down and if he cleared, he'd still count for $8.875 million against the cap (no, I'm not advocating this, just giving an example).

Any player making less than $1.125 wouldn't grant additional cap space. For example, if a player making $900k was sent down, the Kings only get $900k in cap relief. They don't get additional relief.

Thanks!!