Speculation: LA Kings Offseason Thread

[FSL KINGS]

Kopi, Danault, PLD
Load up in short term

Byfield, Danault, PLD
Transition once Kopi calls it or his speed moves him to wing.

Don't see why this is such a difficult idea. Rosen missed it. A lot of Jets & MTL fans don't get it. "Why does LA want a center?"

Fiala, LIZOTTE, Vilardi
You want to make the team harder to play against? Get Fiala a Center.

Team is loaded if they can pull that off. Find a hot goalie by the deadline & find someway of getting Todd out of his shell.

 

[deaderhead28]

If you're trading QB as part of a package, it has to be for a player better than PLD.

Dubois is a pretty mediocre player really.

Byfield is really mediocre if you're seriously calling Dubios mediocre. I trade Byfield for Dubois as the main piece. I have heard all the arguments for and against Dubios and I think he be great with our strong lockeroom. I am not confident that Byfield will ever be a 1st line center, maybe #2 but most likely a strong 3rd line center.

 

[bland]

Byfield is pretty mediocre. I trade Byfield for Dubois as the main piece. I have heard all the arguments for and against Dubios and I think he be great with our strong lockeroom.

Strong?

There is no leadership here, just a hierarchy.

The problems here have nothing to do with talent, its getting that talent in position to be maximized. This management group has proven that they cannot achieve this. No matter who they move in or out, they will not be in an enviornment in which the whole roster is pulling in the same direction for a common goal. The players may be good guys, but nobody - NOBODY - is capable of coalescing them into a singular unit. Its a skill set in and of itself, and the elder statesmen here required that to be brought in from the outside.

All these rumors mean nothing, just wheels spinning in the mud until somebody comes in with a plan and puts the right players in the right positions to succeed. That means removing the ties to the Cups, putting kids in position to show what they can do, not what they can't do.

 

[dman3474]

I don't see how people think hes going to get 8-9 million. He hasn't hit 30 goals, has maxed out at 63 points this season, he should be a 7.5m player max.

I see how that would work and would make the team solid up the middle for a while, transition away from Kopitar. I just don't know what they will want, rumor is Winnipeg wants players for now and not futures, and they are thin up the center. Maybe this is a three-team trade with Hayes going back to Win with retention? Who else has centers to spare? Definitely take more than that, but...? Arvidsson so they could flip him at the deadline?

I'm still in the boat to send Roy and Iafallo to Buffalo for picks & prospects in addition to whatever else goes down.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I still can't believe people are working themselves into a frenzy over this guy

It's like people are trying to get rid of Arvidsson and pick up PLD but you could swap their statlines and no one would know until you threw the names on there

I'm not sure there's a more overrated player in the league right this minute, it's insane

 

[tny760]

I still can't believe people are working themselves into a frenzy over this guy

It's like people are trying to get rid of Arvidsson and pick up PLD but you could swap their statlines and no one would know until you threw the names on there

I'm not sure there's a more overrated player in the league right this minute, it's insane

shiny new toy

 

[Herby]

If you're trading QB as part of a package, it has to be for a player better than PLD.

Dubois is a pretty mediocre player really.

Dach brought the #13 pick in a weak draft and a 3rd rounder. That’s probably equal to a veteran 2nd line center. Which I think describes PLD. I understand not wanting to do it, but value wise it’s pretty similar. The Kings aren’t getting a 1st line player for QB like they could have a year or two ago.

 

[johnjm22]

Dach brought the #13 pick in a weak draft and a 3rd rounder. That’s probably equal to a veteran 2nd line center. Which I think describes PLD. I understand not wanting to do it, but value wise it’s pretty similar. The Kings aren’t getting a 1st line player for QB like they could have a year or two ago.

No prospect / unestablished young player by themself gets a 1st line player in return.

If you're going to trade QB, it's probably going to be part of a package, and IMO it can't be for a mediocre line 2nd center like PLD. It's not worth throwing away that upside.

Hell, their ES scoring rates are barely different right now.

 

[deaderhead28]

I still can't believe people are working themselves into a frenzy over this guy

It's like people are trying to get rid of Arvidsson and pick up PLD but you could swap their statlines and no one would know until you threw the names on there

I'm not sure there's a more overrated player in the league right this minute, it's insane

People on here get worked into a frenzy over everything, pick a player, management member or Kings media personality. ,

 

[FSL KINGS]

I still can't believe people are working themselves into a frenzy over this guy

It's like people are trying to get rid of Arvidsson and pick up PLD but you could swap their statlines and no one would know until you threw the names on there

I'm not sure there's a more overrated player in the league right this minute, it's insane

Just want an upgrade at center on Lizotte. PLD is just the best the King's have a shot at landing right now. Flames aren't giving us E. Lindholm.

Love what Arvidsson brings, but he doesn't play center.

If they miss on PLD is 5-6 AAV on Compher the next best option?

Also loving the MTL fans freaking out over the last few days as they realize LA could pull this off.

 

[mysterman2]

Vancouver just bought out OEL....washed up LHD from Vancounver- Blake has to be salivating at this.

 

[Schrute farms]

PLD in this laissez-faire lockeroom, FO, market -- yeah that sure seems like a disaster waiting to happen. Especially paying him a $8M+ LT deal.

 

[JTeller97]

Im all for adding PLD as long as Vilardi or Clarke aren't going the other way. The thing that worries me most with the deal is if they sign him to 9 mill aav, he's a 7.5 million guy tops and ideally 6 million since he's a 2C on a cup caliber team.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

I am not confident that Byfield will ever be a 1st line center, maybe #2 but most likely a strong 3rd line center.

I will never understand this assertion from Kings fans - That Byfield will most likely end up being nothing more than strong 3rd liner.

He's a decent 3rd line center right now, at 20 years old with multiple developmental setbacks. Also held down a spot on the 1st line (granted, at wing) for multiple months this season. And I know the production was disappointing, but that's still something.

Not trying to start yet another Byfield argument because we're so past beating a dead horse at this point but.... You guys really genuinely think we've seen the very best of QB and what we've seen is essentially his ceiling?? You really don't think he's going to get better?

Because that's basically what you're saying when you project things like him most likely ending up as a solid 3rd liner.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

Just want an upgrade at center on Lizotte.

Not a fan of Lizotte even in a 4C role centering say Grundstrom and maybe an agitator/grit player like Perry or Reaves??

I agree Lizotte as 3C is no Bueno but I really do imagine he slots back at 4C next season. Even without acquiring a center.

I've suggested it before but I really like the idea of signing Perry to a 1 year deal for a million or so and playing him on the 4th with Lizotte.

A line of Grundstrom - Lizotte - Perry would be SO frustrating to play against lol - And a pretty solid line in terms of ability as well. You have a bull in Grundstrom, a little honey badger in Lizotte, and a rat in Perry.

 

[Sol]

This board is eerily reminiscent to all the Jack Eichel detractors. People just bitching nonstop over PLD's character and bending over backwards to compare Byfields stats while he was being babysat by a Hall of Fame center and a new elite goal scorer.

Lets be realistic. If all it took is Byfield to get PLD then you know the trade would already have happened. Byfields top goal total last year while getting a lot of ice time with kopitar was a whopping 3 goals in 50 plus games.

in 99 games he has scored only 8 goals.... Byfields only value is purely contingent on where he was drafted because his NHL performance is mediocre.

Byfield in 99 games has 8 goals 25 assists... 0.31 ppg
Lizotte has 258 games 91 points.... 0.33 ppg

People want Lizzo gone. Lizzo had 65 games played in his full stint in the NHL. With 22 points.

Lizzo and Byfield have extremely similar stats while Byfield gets preferential treatment with his lines.

Lets stop gassing up Byfield until he actually separates himself from Lizzotte. He hasn't done that yet.

 

[funky]

If Blake trades Byfield within weeks of having to trade Pederson he might as well show himself to the door. That would mean his last two major decisions other than Fiala were major failures.

I cannot see this happening nor can I see the team giving up on a 20 year old with that size and skill.

We have 3 redundant wingers and a trade chip young right shot offensive Dman to use to gain some cap space/ flexibility.

We need a goalie, a cheap large physical left Defenceman and upgrade 3C and our 4th line. A Dman only has to be a bottom pair tough physical 15 min a night guy.

My first move would be to stabilize the Defence.

An example

Seeler is a cheap cap hit that file a need. Would Philly trade Seeler and a pick for Durzi? We recoup $800,000 to put towards other needs. Gives us approx $5 mil in cap space

See what Boston does with Trent Fredric for bottom 6. They are cash strapped way worse than we are. Try adding some grit. The dude is also a natural center. My fear, however, is his next contract will be worth quite a bit of money, maybe more than we can handle. I would definitely want to have Vilardi under contract before I took on a trade like this.

I don’t think Iafallo will fetch a lot, don’t think he has negative value but he could possible be used in a hockey trade. If I follow, can’t be traded for pics or prospects for in a hockey trade for a goalie then I will try moving Arvidson for picks. The reason is we need to get Vilardii and Kaliyev in more scoring situation.

Off-season is still young. Let’s see what happens.

 

[Sol]

If Blake trades Byfield within weeks of having to trade Pederson he might as well show himself to the door. That would mean his last two major decisions other than Fiala were major failures.

I cannot see this happening nor can I see the team giving up on a 20 year old with that size and skill.

We have 3 redundant wingers and a trade chip young right shot offensive Dman to use to gain some cap space/ flexibility.

We need a goalie, a cheap large physical left Defenceman and upgrade 3C and our 4th line. A Dman only has to be a bottom pair tough physical 15 min a night guy.

My first move would be to stabilize the Defence.

An example

Seeler is a cheap cap hit that file a need. Would Philly trade Seeler and a pick for Durzi? We recoup $800,000 to put towards other needs. Gives us approx $5 mil in cap space

See what Boston does with Trent Fredric for bottom 6. They are cash strapped way worse than we are. Try adding some grit. The dude is also a natural center. My fear, however, is his next contract will be worth quite a bit of money, maybe more than we can handle. I would definitely want to have Vilardi under contract before I took on a trade like this.

I don’t think Iafallo will fetch a lot, don’t think he has negative value but he could possible be used in a hockey trade. If I follow, can’t be traded for pics or prospects for in a hockey trade for a goalie then I will try moving Arvidson for picks. The reason is we need to get Vilardii and Kaliyev in more scoring situation.

Off-season is still young. Let’s see what happens.

I think you should buckle up bro. Blake is definitely in panic mode by even being in the PLD discussions. Whether or not Byfield is bad or good if he trades him I’m pretty sure he will get axed

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

This board is eerily reminiscent to all the Jack Eichel detractors. People just bitching nonstop over PLD's character and bending over backwards to compare Byfields stats while he was being babysat by a Hall of Fame center and a new elite goal scorer.

Lets be realistic. If all it took is Byfield to get PLD then you know the trade would already have happened. Byfields top goal total last year while getting a lot of ice time with kopitar was a whopping 3 goals in 50 plus games.

in 99 games he has scored only 8 goals.... Byfields only value is purely contingent on where he was drafted because his NHL performance is mediocre.

Byfield in 99 games has 8 goals 25 assists... 0.31 ppg
Lizotte has 258 games 91 points.... 0.33 ppg

People want Lizzo gone. Lizzo had 65 games played in his full stint in the NHL. With 22 points.

Lizzo and Byfield have extremely similar stats while Byfield gets preferential treatment with his lines.

Lets stop gassing up Byfield until he actually separates himself from Lizzotte. He hasn't done that yet.

Personally, I don't really care about PLD's 'character issues'. I'm against acquiring him (at least if it means signing him long term) because he's not a great long term option at 1C based on what he's shown.

PLD is about to be 25. The chances he improves at this point are extremely small - Players very rarely get better at hockey from age 25 onwards.

Lizotte is also 25 and likely not going to become any better as a player than he already has been. And that's OK - But comparing Lizotte to Byfield doesn't make much sense.

Byfield is 20 years old and very much still developing.

You don't expect PLD to get better moving forward. You don't expect Lizotte to get better moving forward. But you expect Quinton Byfield to get better (maybe even significantly better) moving forward.

That's why people don't necessarily want to give up QB - There's a lot of room for growth there and they see that, with some time and some improvement, there could be a pretty sweet player there.

 

[Kudelski37]

PLD is going to be bought out of his long term contract in a few years. Why should the Kings be the chumps that give him that contract. Why should he be paid more than Kempe?

 

[No Name The Nameless]

Lots of things are true until they aren't.

That’s true. But sometimes it’s not.

Craig Button just said on a live stream the starting price for PLD is Byfield ++

Yea. That’s the starting price. Then it comes down. Hahaha.

 

[Johnny Utah]

If Blake trades Byfield within weeks of having to trade Pederson he might as well show himself to the door. That would mean his last two major decisions other than Fiala were major failures.

I cannot see this happening nor can I see the team giving up on a 20 year old with that size and skill.

We have 3 redundant wingers and a trade chip young right shot offensive Dman to use to gain some cap space/ flexibility.

We need a goalie, a cheap large physical left Defenceman and upgrade 3C and our 4th line. A Dman only has to be a bottom pair tough physical 15 min a night guy.

My first move would be to stabilize the Defence.

An example

Seeler is a cheap cap hit that file a need. Would Philly trade Seeler and a pick for Durzi? We recoup $800,000 to put towards other needs. Gives us approx $5 mil in cap space

See what Boston does with Trent Fredric for bottom 6. They are cash strapped way worse than we are. Try adding some grit. The dude is also a natural center. My fear, however, is his next contract will be worth quite a bit of money, maybe more than we can handle. I would definitely want to have Vilardi under contract before I took on a trade like this.

I don’t think Iafallo will fetch a lot, don’t think he has negative value but he could possible be used in a hockey trade. If I follow, can’t be traded for pics or prospects for in a hockey trade for a goalie then I will try moving Arvidson for picks. The reason is we need to get Vilardii and Kaliyev in more scoring situation.

Off-season is still young. Let’s see what happens.

Agree on all this.

 

[Sol]

Personally, I don't really care about PLD's 'character issues'. I'm against acquiring him (at least if it means signing him long term) because he's not a great long term option at 1C based on what he's shown.

PLD is about to be 25. The chances he improves at this point are extremely small - Players very rarely get better at hockey from age 25 onwards.

Lizotte is also 25 and likely not going to become any better as a player than he already has been. And that's OK - But comparing Lizotte to Byfield doesn't make much sense.

Byfield is 20 years old and very much still developing.

You don't expect PLD to get better moving forward. You don't expect Lizotte to get better moving forward. But you expect Quinton Byfield to get better (maybe even significantly better) moving forward.

That's why people don't necessarily want to give up QB - There's a lot of room for growth there and they see that, with some time and some improvement, there could be a pretty sweet player there.

That’s the crux of the problem. His growth has been so minuscule to the point that it puts into question if there’s a lot of room for growth or is this more or less going to be his level of play. There’s not one person who can say byfield has been impressive. He was a bit better last year but he was awful the year prior so everything in context doesn’t suggest that byfield has nearly as high of a ceiling as people are thinking he does. The proof is in mediocre level play and infinitesimal improvement last year.

The issue in this matter is two pronged though. If Blake trades byfield he should be fired for failing the rebuild full stop. And if he doesn’t trade byfield and byfield barely improves next year then byfield is essentially a bust then Blake has to be fired as well.

The only safe option is that PLD is an improvement over Byfield for sure today. And that eliminates any risk of byfield become a flop by getting an upgrade. And that MIGHT save Blake.

There’s no real winning in this situation. Blake is evidently in panic mode and I wouldn’t be surprised if Byfield is available. Blake can’t risk byfield being a flop and there’s not much there in byfield to suggest he isn’t one.

 

[FSL KINGS]

Don't worry everyone, Byfield isn't getting traded for PLD. He is a bust & doesn't have the value WPG is looking for.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

That’s the crux of the problem. His growth has been so minuscule to the point that it puts into question if there’s a lot of room for growth or is this more or less going to be his level of play. There’s not one person who can say byfield has been impressive. He was a bit better last year but he was awful the year prior so everything in context doesn’t suggest that byfield has nearly as high of a ceiling as people are thinking he does. The proof is in mediocre level play and infinitesimal improvement last year.

The issue in this matter is two pronged though. If Blake trades byfield he should be fired for failing the rebuild full stop. And if he doesn’t trade byfield and byfield barely improves next year then byfield is essentially a bust then Blake has to be fired as well.

The only safe option is that PLD is an improvement over Byfield for sure today. And that eliminates any risk of byfield become a flop by getting an upgrade. And that MIGHT save Blake.

There’s no real winning in this situation. Blake is evidently in panic mode and I wouldn’t be surprised if Byfield is available. Blake can’t risk byfield being a flop and there’s not much there in byfield to suggest he isn’t one.

The other safe option is that Blake holds on to Byfield and his ELC contract and keeps him on the top line where despite his clearly-aberrational shooting % he helped enable Kempe and Kopitar elevate their games over PPG to be one of the best lines in the league in calendar year 2023....instead of trading for a malcontent 2C who has forced his way around since juniors.

(and it was pretty clear how important his effect was on the top line because when he DIDNT play well in the playoffs the entire first line basically fell apart)

I'm not going to change your mind on Byfield and I don't care to because you're clearly CEMENTED no matter what happens next, but no, trading for PLD is far from a 'safe' play and he might not even be an improvement the moment next season starts.

Edit: and really my point is less about Byfield and more about this random infatuation with PLD...he's just another redundant middle sixer on this team, and an inconsistent moody one making demands. Blake needs SOME ELCs if he's going to have a roster of vets, that's where Byfield comes in. We don't need another "big" guy who doesn't play his size.