Speculation: LA Kings Offseason Thread

[Surf Nutz]

Here’s the thing it’s hard to know if he’s doing better with Kopitar centering him. Iafallo made Kopitars line better too so i don’t put much stock into line chemistry vs individual skillset at all.

I want to know what you see from Byfield that is very promising. I think he has good speed and he makes some good passes every now and then.

I think you guys are conflating the Kopitar effect and a bit of nhl game maturity to “this guys ceiling his high”. What do you guys see with Byfield that makes you think he has a high ceiling?

He’s got good speed and decent vision. What else?

a surprising number of players and high quality players have been unable to mesh with Kopi.
Like Fiala.
So there is no real Kopitar effect most of the time.
I addressed what posters and the coaches who left him at L1 are seeing above.
You and deaader have been voted off Byfield Island.

 

[Sol]

a surprising number of players and high quality players have been unable to mesh with Kopi.
Like Fiala.
So there is no real Kopitar effect most of the time.
I addressed what posters and the coaches who left him at L1 are seeing above.
You and deaader have been voted off Byfield Island.

So you agree that line chemistry and individual skill are two completely different things. Glad we agree because if I was going to use your logic then Iafallo is a better player than Fiala. You’re clearly out of your depth baby girl.

 

[Surf Nutz]

No way would I trade Vilardi for PLD. Vilardi can score and make his line better.

Noted, but Byfield is going to be a monster by the time it is all said and done.
He will surpass Vilardi, who hasn't even proven he can stay healthy for the season and the playoffs.
If Blake trades Vilardi , I believe that is why he does it.
Injury history and risk of future injury history.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I dunno, everyone is so stuck on 5 years from now.....4 years from now etc, everyone on this forum would take a 1st round pick over a 24 year old player (naturally this was Hockeys Futures etc) but I think everyone is so hung up on 18-19-20 year olds that you are missing the trees for the forest....

I'd rather trade every draft pick we have, for players who are becoming NHL players, I'm not talking about whatabouts....I'm talking about trading for a NHL player like a Dubois who is young and available, like they did with Fiala etc...

Draft picks, are lottery tickets the later they are, so the "black hole" era, you should capitalize on that and trade them.

 

[Surf Nutz]

So you agree that line chemistry and individual skill are two completely different things. Glad we agree because if I was going to use your logic then Iafallo is a better player than Fiala. You’re clearly out of your depth baby girl.

Line chemistry and individual skill can parallel, they are not unrelated.
But look at the Triple Crown Line.
Different skills but they play a role together.
I don't want to really agree with you because my suspicions have been confirmed recently.
According to other posters , you make a lot of poor player evaluations.
So yes I am clearly not in your beer league of comments.
Baby girl that Sol!

 

[King'sPawn]

Here’s the thing it’s hard to know if he’s doing better with Kopitar centering him. Iafallo made Kopitars line better too so i don’t put much stock into line chemistry vs individual skillset at all.

I want to know what you see from Byfield that is very promising. I think he has good speed and he makes some good passes every now and then.

I think you guys are conflating the Kopitar effect and a bit of nhl game maturity to “this guys ceiling his high”. What do you guys see with Byfield that makes you think he has a high ceiling?

He’s got good speed and decent vision. What else?

My observations didn't include Kopitar at all. Nor were they Kopitar dependent.

He has good speed, good vision, he's shown strength while still growing into his frame. He's protecting the puck better and challenging the puck carrier. He's not relying on skating into the zone and settling for a shot. He's adding layers to his game.

Yes, he needs to continue getting stronger. Playing meaner would be nice, but if anything at least he's not backed down when challenged. And he needs to improve his shot.

 

[Sol]

Line chemistry and individual skill can parallel, they are not unrelated.
But look at the Triple Crown Line.
Different skills but they play a role together.
I don't want to really agree with you because my suspicions have been confirmed recently.
According to other posters , you make a lot of poor player evaluations.
So yes I am clearly not in your beer league of comments.
Baby girl that Sol!

Ah yes, the same posters who use Kempes “development” path as an example.

If you want to prove for once that you have some form of cognitive ability. Tell me why Byfield will be better than Vilardi. There’s not one person here, not even mother hen himself would make that statement.

Vilardi scored 5 goals in 10 games in his rookie debut. Byfield scored 3 goals in 55 games in his most recent year while getting played with Kopitar because no one trusts him enough to play his natural position. Lol the stats don’t support you, neither does the staff you don’t hesitate to fellate. Lol

 

[Sol]

My observations didn't include Kopitar at all. Nor were they Kopitar dependent.

He has good speed, good vision, he's shown strength while still growing into his frame. He's protecting the puck better and challenging the puck carrier. He's not relying on skating into the zone and settling for a shot. He's adding layers to his game.

Yes, he needs to continue getting stronger. Playing meaner would be nice, but if anything at least he's not backed down when challenged. And he needs to improve his shot.

KP lemme ask you something, I know prospects are a big thing for you, how likely in your experience is it that players really break out from the low confidence headspace. Byfield to me shows a loooot of low confidence and his shooting shows that. Do players who play this unconfident break out from that headspace more often than not?

 

[FSL KINGS]

Ah yes, the same posters who use Kempes “development” path as an example.

If you want to prove for once that you have some form of cognitive ability. Tell me why Byfield will be better than Vilardi. There’s not one person here, not even mother hen himself would make that statement.

Vilardi scored 5 goals in 10 games in his rookie debut. Byfield scored 3 goals in 55 games in his most recent year while getting played with Kopitar because no one trusts him enough to play his natural position. Lol the stats don’t support you, neither does the staff you don’t hesitate to fellate. Lol

Byfield > Vilardi because he'll be a King next year.

 

[Surf Nutz]

You’re being a clown as usual. Just because you get on your knees to slurp him over 8 goals in 99 games doesn’t mean that to the logical person his lack of production isn’t concerning.

Whatever Sol, your history here of poor player evaluation is a known variable, according to others comments.
When you are challenged and your comments have nothing you resort to your attacks in your prison yard persona.
I worked my whole career with the real ones and can spot a wanna be instantly.
Byfield needs to improve his finding quiet spots to shoot, his release and accuracy for sure and I believe he will.
He made strides in numerous other areas as I listed and that's why the coach, who is notoriously hard on young players by not giving them ice time especially on top lines, left Byfield on L1 for most of the season and playoffs.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Ah yes, the same posters who use Kempes “development” path as an example.

If you want to prove for once that you have some form of cognitive ability. Tell me why Byfield will be better than Vilardi. There’s not one person here, not even mother hen himself would make that statement.

Vilardi scored 5 goals in 10 games in his rookie debut. Byfield scored 3 goals in 55 games in his most recent year while getting played with Kopitar because no one trusts him enough to play his natural position. Lol the stats don’t support you, neither does the staff you don’t hesitate to fellate. Lol

Hopefully they will push each other possibly even be on the same line eventually .
To simplify it for you , I am concerned about how Vilardi a player with a mysterious and frequent somewhat secretive injury history will hold up compared to a much bigger player that has had obvious injuries in public.
Read my other comments for more.

 

[Sol]

Whatever Sol, your history here of poor player evaluation is a known variable, according to others comments.
When you are challenged and your comments have nothing you resort to your attacks in your prison yard persona.
I worked my whole career with the real ones and can spot a wanna be instantly.
Byfield needs to improve his finding quiet spots to shoot, his release and accuracy for sure and I believe he will.
He made strides in numerous other areas as I listed and that's why the coach, who is notoriously hard on young players by not giving them ice time especially on top lines, left Byfield on L1 for most of the season and playoffs.

Don’t think so, I’ve been pretty good if not better than most with my evaluations.

Uhuh 3 goals in 53 games. Huge strides. The best strides.

Btw, I like how you threw yourself into the conversation by taking shots at me in a conversation you’re not involved in. Maybe all the time you’ve spent in the slammer mentally touched you.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Don’t think so, I’ve been pretty good if not better than most with my evaluations.

Uhuh 3 goals in 53 games. Huge strides. The best strides.

Btw, I like how you threw yourself into the conversation by taking shots at me in a conversation you’re not involved in. Maybe all the time you’ve spent in the slammer mentally touched you.

I held the keys Sol. Lol.
All you got is goal scoring.
Yes he needs to improve but the Goals for vs, Goals against for line 1 improved greatly when Byfield was put on that line, where he also benefits from learning from Kopi (what the Kings want him to be) and Kempe our best goal scorer.

 

[Sol]

I held the keys Sol. Lol.
All you got is goal scoring.
Yes he needs to improve but the Goals for vs, Goals against for line 1 improved greatly when Byfield was put on that line, where he also benefits from learning from Kopi (what the Kings want him to be) and Kempe our best goal scorer.

Sure you did.

Interesting I never knew goalscoring wasn’t important for a player who was drafted for their shot and speed.

 

[King'sPawn]

KP lemme ask you something, I know prospects are a big thing for you, how likely in your experience is it that players really break out from the low confidence headspace. Byfield to me shows a loooot of low confidence and his shooting shows that. Do players who play this unconfident break out from that headspace more often than not?

I'm sorry if it sounds like a copout, but I don't feel comfortable answering this.

For one - I don't see Byfield as having a confidence issue the same way you do. Like I said, he doesn't slink away when challenged. He doesn't drop the gloves, either, but he jaws back. I think his shot needs improvement in his accuracy and technique, but I just disagree with your assessment of his confidence. Of course, I could be wrong. I just saw things differently than you did.

That said, confidence is absolutely essential to be a successful competitor. I honestly think that's what stopped Austin Wagner from hitting the next level. The reason why I feel that is because I read interviews with him where he was talking himself down and being overly self-critical.

But the reason why I can't answer is because I don't know WHEN the player starts having confidence issues. Is a player a perimeter player because he grew up getting away with it? Or is he just afraid of contact? Or is he nursing an injury? Yes, some players clearly play with more confidence and assertiveness, but without knowing the player, knowing when they lose confidence, and knowing when they get it back, there's no probability I could quantify.

We do have a timeline for one player though. Jack Campbell's was absolutely destroyed shortly after he was drafted by Dallas. Possibly due to the pressure of being a first-round pick. He put up Petersen-esque numbers in the OHL in his D+1, and basically just kept moving down until he hit the ECHL. Then he was traded to LA for Nick Ebert, a 7th-round pick. Dusty Imoo started working with him in 2016, 6 years after he was drafted, and Campbell suddenly posts a shutout in the NHL.

It's a singular example, and I wish I could find the article, but Campbell has credited Imoo for helping him get his head back in the game. Took him 6 years.

So, it can happen. I just don't know the players well enough at a psychological level to offer a quality answer, nor have I read a specific study addressing the issue.

There have been articles about bigger players needing 200 games to actually get their game going, which is why I'm adamant about getting him reps - but that's an entirely different conversation.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Sure you did.

Interesting I never knew goalscoring wasn’t important for a player who was drafted for their shot and speed.

Its not the way the Kings and Tmac in particular do things.
They make players be responsible first and they do it with less minutes on lesser talented lines.
It is an additional credit to Byfield that he was able to listen and have the discipline to do things the way the coaches told him to.
Solid play first , goals later = all around player = Vilardi, kempe.
So much so that Byfield at 20 freaking years old earned a spot on L1 with future HoFer Kopi and helped Kempe to 41 goals under renowned gatekeeper Tmac.
And some people can't get past his struggle in goal scoring. He checked every other box.
Look how many trade proposals want Byfield on the main board.
And you can bet Blake is getting many offers trying to poach him.
Blake needs to hold him because he has a very bright future after breaking out on L1 this year.
Sorry Sol , I have heard about your past blown calls and I believe you are in the midst of yet another one or two actually including your assessment of me!

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/25/d9/55/25d955c81266041db6afc2dd63756912.jpg

 

[Nasti]

Here’s the thing it’s hard to know if he’s doing better with Kopitar centering him. Iafallo made Kopitars line better too so i don’t put much stock into line chemistry vs individual skillset at all.

Well, Iafallo is a good player so for Byfield to improve from his rookie year to Iafallo level in his second is kind of good, no?

 

[kinghock]

What would you offer for Zadorov? Preferably only futures. Maybe some D prospect (Like Bjornfot) and a 2nd for Zadorov retained?

D (Durzi) and a 2nd for Zadorov retained is fine.

 

[FrozenKing18]

In regards to the PLD rumors. The idea of PLD and his type of play is intriguing. I dont believe or care too much on the whole attitude problem thing. We had that same chatter with Richards and Carter and they both ended up being leaders of the team during their tenure here. Guy is still young and I believe he’ll mature if he’s surrounded with the right teammates and culture. With that being said, I think PLD is a great but don't think he's a game breaker that you trade Byfield and futures for.

 

[dman3474]

Sell high!

Like for Roy and Ardvisson!

 

[JeanBlanc]

Noted, but Byfield is going to be a monster by the time it is all said and done.
He will surpass Vilardi, who hasn't even proven he can stay healthy for the season and the playoffs.

I'm pulling for Byfield. But I think it's more fair to say that he's got the potential to be a monster when he grows into his size and puts his skills and physical gifts together.

And I don't think that it's fair to point to health as a defining advantage that Byfield has over Vilardi. Byfield's been injured early season for two years in a row.

I'm not even sure why we're talking about who's "better". I guess because of speculation about a PLD trade?

 

[deaderhead28]

Whatever Sol, your history here of poor player evaluation is a known variable, according to others comments.
When you are challenged and your comments have nothing you resort to your attacks in your prison yard persona.
I worked my whole career with the real ones and can spot a wanna be instantly.
Byfield needs to improve his finding quiet spots to shoot, his release and accuracy for sure and I believe he will.
He made strides in numerous other areas as I listed and that's why the coach, who is notoriously hard on young players by not giving them ice time especially on top lines, left Byfield on L1 for most of the season and playoffs.

You be surprised how wrong most on here are on evaluating propsects or other bad takes involving the Kings. That's why you can't take anything said on here seriously. Sol's opinion is no less important than others and I have seen lots of bad takes since 2010. If everyone agrees on the same thing, it wouldnt be any fun. Hell even i been on wrong on a couple trades around the league and wrong on the Williams trade, I can admit it and I hope I am wrong on Byfield and he puts it together sooner than later.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

You think his value is current day Eichel? I do think we’re far apart. I see a lot of red flags with him yeah or as you say major speed bumps. There’s not much to like about his game right now, that being said that’s the biggest positive. There’s a lot bad in his game right now that either he can improve drastically from where he’s at now or flounder even more. I think it’s a 60-40 due to fact he seems to be imbued with really low confidence.

This is why it's hard to have a conversation with you--you completely misread a very clear statement.

No, I did not say his value is current day Eichel.

I said his value WOULD have been AS A PIECE for past Eichel, the VGK trade time, because then you're trading a potential 1C (and some balancing parts--conditional picks?) for a current 1C with warts.

I said I wouldn't have made that trade not on raw value but on the Kings shouldn't be making that move yet. You're deliberately conflating 'trade value' with trade needs and team vision and using that to say 'see you're just in love with prospects'.

I also think you're deliberately trying to not see any positive in his game and you've practically admitted that in the same words.

Here’s the thing it’s hard to know if he’s doing better with Kopitar centering him. Iafallo made Kopitars line better too so i don’t put much stock into line chemistry vs individual skillset at all.

Here's the thing: it's not, at all. The stats have been shown out multiple times. Yeah, chemistry is a thing, but Kopitar has been flat out on the wrong side of the ledger for large parts of the last TWO years without Byfield. I guess it's just a coincidence and accident that both Kopitar AND Kempe went nuclear after with the normal and advanced stats to match? Because if that's the case, when Byfield sunk in the playoffs and took those two with him....then you can't blame Byfield for the bad and ignore the good too. That's having your criticism cake and eating it too.

I'ts not a shock to me at all that a top sixer started producing better when paired with other top six talent. That fact only seems to escape TM. Like sure everyone wants the prospects to 'take over' on the bottom six when it's plug-prospect-plug playing 12 minutes a game but let's be real.

 

[GameNight]

These big centers aren't available very often. It's too bad that this PLD opportunity weren't happening a year from now- I'd probably like to see 1 more year with Byfield.

Not looking for a major breakthrough, just looking for signs. Like Vilardi immediately scoring on this very first NHL shift, Kempe scoring that hat trick in Montreal during his first full season- signs like that. Signs showing that these guys have got something special. Honestly haven't seen the individually big wows yet from Byfield and if they are going to keep him at LW, I'm not sure that we will.

PLD had 27G - 34A - 61 points when HE was 19. There's just no comparison between the 2

Overall, it's echoes of Bryan Boyle here from #55. An NHLer? yep. A long career ahed? yep. Worth a 2nd overall pick? Also, didn't they try to move Boyle away from his "natural" C to D? Like moving Byfield from C to LW, there might be other signs being shown here I'm afraid.

The money and cap are the real issues. Kings need guys on ELC's in a couple key roles contributing. Can they make the money work?

and Lindholm is worth checking in on- he is signed for another year at a good rate. He could also distract some teams away from PLD.

I'm keeping an open mind on what to do with the Byfield asset. OTH, Vilardi is hands off a no go.

 

[kinghock]

In regards to the PLD rumors. The idea of PLD and his type of play is intriguing. I dont believe or care too much on the whole attitude problem thing. We had that same chatter with Richards and Carter and they both ended up being leaders of the team during their tenure here. Guy is still young and I believe he’ll mature if he’s surrounded with the right teammates and culture. With that being said, I think PLD is a great but don't think he's a game breaker that you trade Byfield and futures for.

In my opinion if Kings will trade Vilardi, Durzi, Iafallo and Moore for PLD it will work great money wise for them.

I think Vilardi has better hands, better shooting and better hockey IQ, but PLD is better skater and more physical and still has good hands/hockey IQ/shooting.

Winnipeg has problem retaining players and will be interested receiving Vilardi, Durzi, Iafallo and Moore in the trade.

After this trade Kings will have enough money to solve their goaltending and physicality’s issues.

P.S. I love Vilardi, but his old back issues still scare me.