Speculation: LA Kings Offseason Thread

[Nasti]

You know when the fact is pointed out "Byfield has been the least productive Top 3 pick since 2007" that the 36 other players he is being compared to were also 18-19-20. It's not some impossibility for players age 18, 19, 20 to produce in the NHL, especially ones taken 2OA.

I get why, but I think you’re way too stuck on his draft position. Yeah, you hope for more production from a 2nd overall pick, but does that matter if he projects like an 11th overall pick (Vilardi) or a 29th overall pick (Kempe)? If he slow burns like them, who cares what position he was picked? The argument should be about whether the slow burn approach is the right one, not whether or not a 20 year old is irredeemable.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

He’s what still 20 yrs old, has missed serious playing time with illness and injury whilst only being played with suitably skilled line mates since January. I’m not worried yet but he needs to take a big step this year. I still think he can be a 1C.


Sorry, had to find out what happens

Oh, and I’ve seen plenty of flashes and moments that give me encouragement. Is he a lock for 1C? No. However I haven’t written him off yet, not by a long way.

Sorry for not responding earlier. The white coats only give me phone access for 10 mins a day.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

I just don't see how PLD and Helle make us a better team. I'd almost rather have Vilardi over PLD. Helle is a great goalie, but how do we make that work under the cap. I just don't see it.

Moving out Vilardi opens room for AK47 in the top 9 and gives us a needed center.

 

[Docgonzo]

Would be very Kings to trade away a homegrown prospect once he starts to find his way.

Even though he may turn into a better goal scorer I’d be more willing to trade Kaliyev than Vilardi. I like the bite and aggression Vilardi has, plus hockey IQ on both sides of the puck. Kaliyev just looks like he’s at work going through the motions. Don’t need more of those on the team in the playoffs.

 

[Moses Doughty]

The more I think about it, the more I could see it being:

Vilardi +
for
PLD & Helle

With another team brought to retain and make the cap situation work.

Going from Vilardi to PLD is a sideways move for LA, so they need Helle to make it work for them. Jets want young players who can contribute now, so they need someone like Vilardi to make it work for them.

Not sure how cap doable it is even with a team (let's say Chicago) stepping in to help. Probably makes more sense to trade them separately, maximize the return, and avoid having a third team who gets some of the included return.

I could see the Pens doing anything possible to get Helle since they really need to maximize the next few years.

 

[bmr]

Moving out Vilardi opens room for AK47 in the top 9 and gives us a needed center.

AK47? Sorry, i'm not following. I don't know why you would move Vilardi off the team. He was one of the most effective forwards. And would presumably be at a much lower cap.

 

[johnjm22]

Not sure how cap doable it is even with a team (let's say Chicago) stepping in to help. Probably makes more sense to trade them separately, maximize the return, and avoid having a third team who gets some of the included return.

I could see the Pens doing anything possible to get Helle since they really need to maximize the next few years.

Mentioned it already, but there is ways to make the cap work for this. Kings would have send another significant contract the other way, and you'd need retention on Helle.

Example:

Vilardi, Iafallo, Durzi, Turcotte
for
PLD, Helle (50% retained)

Again, I would not do this, but that trade works cap-wise if PLD is signing for about 8M or less.

LA would probably love to add someone like BRENDEN DILLON to the deal, but that would take further assets and cap shenanigans to make work.

 

[Moses Doughty]

Mentioned it already, but there is ways to make the cap work for this. Kings would have send another significant contract the other way, and you'd need retention on Helle.

Example:

Vilardi, Iafallo, Durzi, Turcotte
for
PLD, Helle (50% retained)

Again, I would not do this, but that trade works cap-wise if PLD is signing for about 8M or less.

LA would probably love to add someone like BRENDEN DILLON to the deal, but that would take further assets and cap shenanigans to make work.

I see, does make sense although my concern is that getting both does make it even more difficult to add another guy with some size at LD or up front. Which tbf you did mention with Dillon. Probably requires moving in from Arvidsson in that case as well (assuming PLD would budge off 9M)

 

[Docgonzo]

Blake would have to convince PLD to take a Fiala/Bratt contract, especially since they’ve both have had better seasons than he’s ever had.

Mentioned it already, but there is ways to make the cap work for this. Kings would have send another significant contract the other way, and you'd need retention on Helle.

Example:

Vilardi, Iafallo, Durzi, Turcotte
for
PLD, Helle (50% retained)

Again, I would not do this, but that trade works cap-wise if PLD is signing for about 8M or less.

LA would probably love to add someone like BRENDEN DILLON to the deal, but that would take further assets and cap shenanigans to make work.

If you add Dillion I think they should add Roy to it then as much as I’d miss Roy it’d help even out the money and give Clarke and Spence minutes.

Anderson-Doughty
Gavrikov-Clarke
Dillion-Spence
Bjornfot

 

[funky]

AK47? Sorry, i'm not following. I don't know why you would move Vilardi off the team. He was one of the most effective forwards. And would presumably be at a much lower cap.

I can take a stab at this.

I think the Kings like Byfield at wing at this point. That leaves us short on centers

Centers

Kopitar
Danault
Lizotte
Kempe

Wingers

Byfield
Kempe
Fiala
Arviddson
Vilardi
Kaliyev
Iafallo
Moore

I can see the Kings moving Vilardi (winger) for a true Center if they see Byfield as a long term left wing.

Personally I like Vilardi. I am very curious to see if he can take that next step. However I have no idea what his contract demands are and his health scares me after he missed time with that upper body injury late in the year.

Kaliyev is a lethal shooter and is being wasted on the bottom lines. Maybe they feel he is similar to Vilardi (big, skilled, slower moving, offensive winger) and can take his place?

The Kings could be targeting Hellebuyck and see a way they can get an elite goalie and fill in there center position depth for the next few years?

PLD would be a great 2C. (think we need to target a 1C to replace Kopi however)

There would have to be retention and we would have to move another winger with salary (Arvidsson, Moore or Iafallo) for it to work in my eyes.

At this point I have no clue what is going to happen, what the front office is thinking or why all these rumors are suddenly popping up. Hell grab Stanley as well, why not?

Roster would look something like:


Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Kaliyev - Dubois - Fiala
Iafallo - Danault - Moore
Grundstrom - Kupari - UFA

Anderson - Doughty
Gavrikov - Roy
Stanely - Clarke

Hellebuyck
Copley

They would have to be all in to do something like that.

Just my interpretation of what is going on.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

AK47? Sorry, i'm not following. I don't know why you would move Vilardi off the team. He was one of the most effective forwards. And would presumably be at a much lower cap.

Kaliyev. Id call him AK34 but it loses its meaning

 

[SaltyElkHunter]

5 minutes agoFagemo-Kopitar-Kempe
Fiala-PLD-Kaliyev
Arvidson-Danault-Moore
Grundstrom-Helenius-Kupari

Anderson-Doughty
Gavrikov-Roy
Bjornfoot-Clarke/Spence

Hellubyuck/Copley

 

[Schmooley]

5 minutes agoFagemo-Kopitar-Kempe
Fiala-PLD-Kaliyev
Arvidson-Danault-Moore
Grundstrom-Helenius-Kupari

Anderson-Doughty
Gavrikov-Roy
Bjornfoot-Clarke/Spence

Hellubyuck/Copley

That team is not very good. You are missing Byfield and Vilardi also. Hope Helenius makes it I kinda like that 4th line but its not a line thats ready to be on a contender they are too young and inexperienced.

 

[deaderhead28]

The more I think about it, the more I could see it being:

Vilardi +
for
PLD & Helle

With another team brought to retain and make the cap situation work.

Going from Vilardi to PLD is a sideways move for LA, so they need Helle to make it work for them. Jets want young players who can contribute now, so they need someone like Vilardi to make it work for them.

Pass on trading Vilardi. Plus trading for both gives Kings cap issues. The more retention the more assets have to be traded and hurting depth. Sign a cheap veteran and trade for PLD. I would trade 2024 1st and Byfield.

Kings talked about around 1 hour and 39 minute mark.

- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

www.youtube.com

 

[Kudelski37]

The only hope the Kings have to compete this season is if guys like Vilardi, Byfield, and Clarke make impacts. Trading young guys would lower the teams ceiling for the coming season.

 

[bmr]

Kaliyev. Id call him AK34 but it loses its meaning

That's what I thought you meant, but I didn't want to assume anything. AK is just still a bit goofy to me at this point. He has a knack for being in the right place and has a lethal shot (good PP guy), but whether he can put that all together or not is still TBD. I don't even think he's close to what guys like Vilardi/Kempe/Fiala are bringing to the table.

 

[Kudelski37]

Vilardi>>>Kaliyev. Gabe has no issues getting shots on net from anywhere. Kaliyev looks like he fashioned his shot after Doughty. It is rarely on net.

 

[jgs]

Mentioned it already, but there is ways to make the cap work for this. Kings would have send another significant contract the other way, and you'd need retention on Helle.

Example:

Vilardi, Iafallo, Durzi, Turcotte
for
PLD, Helle (50% retained)

Again, I would not do this, but that trade works cap-wise if PLD is signing for about 8M or less.

LA would probably love to add someone like BRENDEN DILLON to the deal, but that would take further assets and cap shenanigans to make work.

I wouldn't trade for PLD, the guy has no loyalty. Heck he gave up in Columbus and requested a trade, was traded to the Jets and hasn't done a thing there and now is requesting a trade again. He comes to LA, it will be the same. What determines future behavior is present and past behavior. He has proven this theory correct.

 

[kinghock]

Pass on trading Vilardi. Plus trading for both gives Kings cap issues. The more retention the more assets have to be traded and hurting depth. Sign a cheap veteran and trade for PLD. I would trade 2024 1st and Byfield.

Kings talked about around 1 hour and 39 minute mark.

- YouTube

Auf YouTube findest du die angesagtesten Videos und Tracks. Außerdem kannst du eigene Inhalte hochladen und mit Freunden oder gleich der ganzen Welt teilen.

www.youtube.com

delete

 

[Surf Nutz]

Agreed.

Disagree.
He joined L1 and they more became effective than with any other LW's enough to lead us to 104 points.
Byfield's developmental trajectory steepend and he was often very good along the boards, protecting the puck and feeding Kopi and Kempe.
He is deriving significant benefit on L1 and should remain there to continue and broaden his development, with two guys you absolutely want him to pick up things from.
He needs more work especially on awareness and reading the play.
That will help him improve defensively, at finding the quiet spaces for shooting and timing and shooting effectively.
The improved basic stats will follow
People here saying to trade him are blinded by frustration, burnout and having salt rubbed in their wounds by Vaygas.
There will be a ton of GM's that see Byfield's progress and attempt to poach him.
Blake and TMac are running out of time on their contracts.
I hope Blake does not give in too much in a win now panic.

 

[Sol]

If they trade Vilardi I will be so pissed.

 

[Surf Nutz]

The more I think about it, the more I could see it being:

Vilardi +
for
PLD & Helle

With another team brought to retain and make the cap situation work.

Going from Vilardi to PLD is a sideways move for LA, so they need Helle to make it work for them. Jets want young players who can contribute now, so they need someone like Vilardi to make it work for them.

Sure he wants a paid vacation for a year in LA before he says, sorry changed my minds and signs with the Habs.
As his agent previously indicated was his preference.
Don't do it!

 

[WHOneedsSOX]

Mentioned it already, but there is ways to make the cap work for this. Kings would have send another significant contract the other way, and you'd need retention on Helle.

Example:

Vilardi, Iafallo, Durzi, Turcotte
for
PLD, Helle (50% retained)

Again, I would not do this, but that trade works cap-wise if PLD is signing for about 8M or less.

LA would probably love to add someone like BRENDEN DILLON to the deal, but that would take further assets and cap shenanigans to make work.

Could also make it two separate trades and have one of them go to Arizona first for cap retention.

 

[Sol]

I get why, but I think you’re way too stuck on his draft position. Yeah, you hope for more production from a 2nd overall pick, but does that matter if he projects like an 11th overall pick (Vilardi) or a 29th overall pick (Kempe)? If he slow burns like them, who cares what position he was picked? The argument should be about whether the slow burn approach is the right one, not whether or not a 20 year old is irredeemable.

I think you’re a bit hard stuck on Vilardi and Kempes draft position when you consider where Forbort and Teubert were drafted.

The issue with 2nd overall is that on no planet is it ever a good look for a player picked that high to be a slow burn. If you’re even going to pretend that it’s fine then you have zero clue how big of a difference historically it is past the top 3 and outside of the top 10. Players drafted top 3 players are the ones who are expected to be quick impactful players. If they aren’t showing signs of being impactful yet then there’s a big problem. Slow burn is a really kind way of overlooking 5 goals last season and quite frankly delusional of the fact that there’s some massive concerns regarding byfield. Again the Kings are considering PLD for the sole reason that byfield might bust.

 

[Surf Nutz]

I can take a stab at this.

I think the Kings like Byfield at wing at this point. That leaves us short on centers

Centers

Kopitar
Danault
Lizotte
Kempe

Wingers

Byfield
Kempe
Fiala
Arviddson
Vilardi
Kaliyev
Iafallo
Moore

I can see the Kings moving Vilardi (winger) for a true Center if they see Byfield as a long term left wing.

Personally I like Vilardi. I am very curious to see if he can take that next step. However I have no idea what his contract demands are and his health scares me after he missed time with that upper body injury late in the year.

Kaliyev is a lethal shooter and is being wasted on the bottom lines. Maybe they feel he is similar to Vilardi (big, skilled, slower moving, offensive winger) and can take his place?

The Kings could be targeting Hellebuyck and see a way they can get an elite goalie and fill in there center position depth for the next few years?

PLD would be a great 2C. (think we need to target a 1C to replace Kopi however)

There would have to be retention and we would have to move another winger with salary (Arvidsson, Moore or Iafallo) for it to work in my eyes.

At this point I have no clue what is going to happen, what the front office is thinking or why all these rumors are suddenly popping up. Hell grab Stanley as well, why not?

Roster would look something like:


Byfield - Kopitar - Kempe
Kaliyev - Dubois - Fiala
Iafallo - Danault - Moore
Grundstrom - Kupari - UFA

Anderson - Doughty
Gavrikov - Roy
Stanely - Clarke

Hellebuyck
Copley

They would have to be all in to do something like that.

Just my interpretation of what is going on.

Being moved from Center to wing when you are acclimating to the NHL, is probation not a life sentence.
Moving Gabe to center now that he has had a breakthrough is something worth looking at to start the season.
Tell the wingers they backcheck equally to cover for his footspeed.
Give Kaliyev a solid shot with savy passers that can also be on the receiving end of a fake shot pass from Kaliyev.
L3 = Fiala - Vilardi - Kaliyev
next up if one of these guys is not working: Kupari.
Make trades/ adjust as needed by deadline.